OLYMPIA, Wash – Primary elections don’t attract the same turnout as general elections, especially in presidential election years. But, there’s a lot at stake in Tuesday’s primary election in Washington.
As of Monday morning, less than 16% of voters statewide had returned in their ballots.
That number was slightly higher – 16.71% in Spokane County.
In Spokane County, some issues will be decided in Tuesday’s primary. Airway Heights has a public safety levy on the ballot, Cheney wants voters to pass a levy for emergency medical services and several fire districts have levies on the ballot as well.
In the candidate races, voters will decide which two candidates move on to the general election. The top two candidates advance, regardless of party.
The most-high profile races are the race for Washington governor and the 5th District U.S. Representative race to replace longtime lawmaker Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers.
Statewide data shows Jefferson County has the highest turnout so far in the state at 27.18%.
Grant County has the lowest voter turnout as of Monday, with only 11.93% of voters returning their ballots.
The Primary, By the Numbers
According to the Secretary of State’s Office, on this year’s primary ballot you’ll find:
19 statewide executive positions One U.S. Senate race10 U.S. Congress races123 State Legislature racesOne Supreme Court raceFour Superior Court justice races92 local races415 precinct officers
In the Washington legislature, 25 of 49 Senate positions are on the ballot, along with all 98 House seats.
53 fire districts statewide have ballot measures before voters.
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