Voter turnout expected at 53 percent

The Associated Press

OLYMPIA — Secretary of State Sam Reed on Friday predicted a 53 percent voter turnout for the Nov. 6 general election, somewhat lighter than usual for an off-year election.

Reed said some areas have hot local races, but candidates are having trouble connecting with distracted voters and the five statewide ballot measures aren’t generating much enthusiasm or controversy.

"I’m still hoping people will turn up their attention despite the national and international situation. We need to focus on what’s going on locally," the state’s chief elections officer said.

"These local races will have more impact on people’s homes and families, in a direct way, than in some of the even-year elections. We have important mayoral races, county commissioners and council members and other offices. And two (state) House races could break the 49-49 tie."

The three statewide initiatives, including a property-tax limit, and a pair of constitutional amendments involve significant choices for voters, "but none of them have generated the emotion or heat we have seen in recent years with other initiatives," Reed said.

In Snohomish County, the site of both key House races and an area where political control of the county council is on the line, turnout should reach 60 percent, said auditor Bob Terwilliger. In the 21st and 38th legislative districts, voter turnout could hit 65 percent, he said.

"The whole county has something interesting to vote on, and some people are interested in the initiatives, particularly I-747," the property-tax limit sponsored by county resident Tim Eyman.

Reed said many voters, perhaps two-thirds of this year’s total turnout, will vote by mail. Absentee ballots were mailed out earlier this week in most counties, and must be postmarked by election day to be counted.

Washington has 3.3 million registered voters.

The last two off-year elections, with a similar number of initiatives and special legislative races, have attracted better than 57 percent of the registered voters. The highest turnout of any recent off-year election was the 68 percent in 1991, when abortion and other hot-button issues were on the ballot. The lowest turnout in recent history was 48 percent in 1989.

On the Net:

Secretary of State: www.vote. wa.gov

Copyright ©2001 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Alina Langbehn, 6, center, and Vera A., 6, right, sit on a swing together at Drew Nielsen Neighborhood Park after school on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council votes to renovate Drew Nielsen Park

Construction on the $345,000 upgrade could start as early as this fall.

Northshore School District bus driver Stewart O’Leary pictured next to his buses shattered drivers side windshield on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Bothell, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Put me in, coach’: Bus driver back at work after struck by metal bar

Stewart O’Leary, a Northshore employee, has received national attention for his composure during a frightening bus trip.

Lynnwood councilor Joshua Binda speaks during a Lynnwood City Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Does the Lynnwood Council VP live in Lynnwood? It’s hard to say.

Josh Binda’s residency has been called into question following an eviction and FEC filings listing an Everett address. He insists he lives in Lynnwood.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

An American Robin picks a berry from a holly tree on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Calling all birders for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count

The Audubon Society will hold its 28th annual Great Backyard… Continue reading

A view of one of the potential locations of the new Aquasox stadium on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 in Everett, Washington. The site sits between Hewitt Avenue, Broadway, Pacific Avenue and the railroad. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Initial prep work for AquaSox stadium to start, with $200k price tag

The temporary agreement allows some surveying and design work as the city negotiates contracts with designers and builders.

Aaron Kennedy / The Herald
The Joann Fabric and Crafts store at 7601 Evergreen Way, Everett, is one of three stores in Snohomish County that will close as part of the retailer’s larger plan to shutter more than half of its stores nationwide.
Joann store closure plan includes Everett, Arlington, Lynnwood locations

The retail giant filed a motion in court to close approximately 500 stores in the U.S.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.