Voter turnout in Clark County low

As of Monday morning, only 70,643 residents out of the 249,277 registered voters in the county had returned ballots.

Tuesday is election day.

Cathie Garber, the county’s elections supervisor, said she’s holding out hope the county can hit at least a 50 percent voter turnout. Right now, about 28 percent of voters have returned their ballot.

“I’m still hoping (voters) are waiting until the last minute and we get a bunch tomorrow,” she said, adding she’s an “eternal optimist.”

There are two noteworthy Clark County positions up for grabs this election cycle; the county commissioner spot and voters will choose a new sheriff for the first time in nearly three decades. A vote for the controversial county charter could also change the county’s form of governance.

Voters will also choose who represents them in Olympia; there are about a half-dozen state House races. And U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Camas, will defend her seat against Democratic challenger Bob Dingethal.

Voters can mail their ballots today and tomorrow, but they must be postmarked Tuesday to be valid. There is a permanent ballot drop box available 24 hours, located at West 14th and Esther Street in Vancouver. On Tuesday, there will be ballot drop boxes scattered around the county.

For more information, visit clarkvotes.org.