Ballot returns as of Sunday, Nov. 6

THE OLYMPIAN • Published November 06, 2011 Modified November 06, 2011

0 comments

BALLOT RETURNS

Tuesday is the state’s first all-mail general election, making Washington the second state after Oregon to end all poll-site voting.

Statewide turnout is predicted to hit 47 percent, but higher returns of 50 percent are expected in Pierce and Thurston counties and even as high as 70 percent in Mason County.

Thurston County auditor Kim Wyman said she thinks a mayor’s race in Olympia, city council races in Olympia and Lacey, and a few tax measures for fire districts could fire up voters. In Mason County, elections superintendent Amber Cervantes said hot races for the Shelton port district and for a Belfair water district are expected to drive turnout.

The ballot-return rates as of Friday in select counties were:

Thurston County: 25.8%

Pierce County: 22.7%

Mason County: 35.7%

Spokane County: 30%

Clark County: 25%

Snohomish County: 22.2%

King County: 20.7%

Similar stories:

South Sound candidates visit altered districts; filing week near

South Sound candidates visit altered districts; filing week near

In Thurston County, voters also are picking two county commissioners, eight Superior Court judges and a Public Utility District commissioner at a time when a public takeover of electrical service could be in the county’s future.
County owes gratitude to Redistricting Commission

County owes gratitude to Redistricting Commission

For South Sound residents, there’s a whole lot to like about the new congressional district boundaries drawn by the Washington State Redistricting Commission.
South Sound unemployment rates still falling

South Sound unemployment rates still falling

South Sound unemployment rates continued to fall in November, down to 7.5 percent in Thurston County and 8.8 percent in Pierce County, according to the state Employment Security Department.
Public power doesn’t operate for profit

Public power doesn’t operate for profit

After spending days without electric power, we get the news from Puget Sound Energy that they are requesting an 8 percent increase in power rates. Thanks!
Redistricting places Thurston in 10th district, moves 3rd out

Redistricting places Thurston in 10th district, moves 3rd out

The Washington State Redistricting Commission outlined a plan Wednesday that would place the state’s new 10th district in Thurston, Pierce and Mason counties and move U.S. Rep. Adam Smith’s 9th district away from the military-voter base he’s grown close to.