EVERETT — Ballots for registered voters in Snohomish County were mailed Thursday, leaving three weeks to choose who will hold some of the most important positions at the county and city level.
For one, the county’s top elected position is on the table. Dave Somers is seeking to clinch a third and final term as county executive. Running against him is Bob Hagglund, the chair of the Snohomish County Republican Party.
All eyes have been on the race for sheriff. Campaign contributions have smashed records as Bothell’s deputy police chief, Susanna Johnson, challenges incumbent Adam Fortney for the county’s top law enforcement job. Combined contributions for both candidates have surpassed $385,000. The sheriff oversees the county’s largest police agency, as well as the county jail.
Also on the county level, two positions on the Snohomish County Council are up for election. One is unopposed, with Democrat Strom Peterson set to retain his seat for another term. In the other race, Democratic incumbent Megan Dunn faces Republican challenger Georgia Fisher in a race to determine the partisan leaning of the council.
The job running the county’s elections will see a repeat competition from four years ago, as Auditor Garth Fell faces Cindy Gobel again for the nonpartisan position.
There are also two competitive races for judge on the Snohomish County Superior Court. Judge Pro Tem Mary Anderson and current Judge Patrick Moriarty will face off in the race for Position 17. And for Position 16, lawyer Brett Rogers will challenge Judge Miguel Duran.
Voters in cities scattered throughout the county also have choices to make on who will represent them on their city councils and school boards.
Edmonds will decide whether to retain current Mayor Mike Nelson or elect retired communication firm CEO Mike Rosen, who were locked in a virtual tie in the primary.
Voters in some parts of the county will face decisions on propositions that support emergency services.
Bothell residents will vote on a 6-year property tax levy. Fire districts in Snohomish, Sultan and Granite Falls have proposed levy lid lifts, citing the need for more revenue to maintain current services and operations.
Voters’ pamphlets have detailed descriptions of each candidate running for office, pamphlets are available for residents in north county, east county and Everett and south county. Superior Court judge candidates are listed in the statewide pamphlet.
Even with ballots already mailed out, there’s still time to register to vote. Residents can register online at VoteWA.gov until Oct. 30 or register in-person at the county auditor’s office in Everett by Nov. 7.
The deadline to drop off ballots at one of the county’s ballot drop boxes is 8 p.m. Nov. 7.
When mailing in, ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 7.
Voters can check the status of their ballots once they’re sent, received and accepted on VoteWA.gov.
Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated when the last auditor’s race was and when the deadline is for mailing in ballots.
Jenelle Baumbach: 360-352-8623; jenelle.baumbach@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @jenelleclar.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
