Tuesday’s election will carry more importance than usual in Clark County. Traditionally, off-year elections have no presidential or other partisan races. But this year in the 49th Legislative District (Vancouver west of Interstate 205, and most of Hazel Dell), there’s an exception: Democrat appointee Sharon Wylie and Republican challenger Craig Riley are battling to replace state representative Jim Jacks, who resigned earlier this year. And countywide, there’s Proposition 1, which seeks a sales tax increase (equivalent to 2 cents on a $10 purchase) to preserve C-Tran services.
These are just two reasons The Columbian urges voters to exercise their freedom and either mail their ballots or take them to a ballot drop-off site Tuesday. In addition to the Columbian’s editorial endorsements published earlier, we have two other suggestions. First, to be sure your ballot is postmarked by the Tuesday deadline, we suggest mailing it by Monday. Second, if you’re going to be in downtown Vancouver, take your ballot to the drop-off box on 14th Street, one-half block east of Franklin Street. It’s available 24/7.
Even if you’re not in the 49th Legislative District, Tuesday’s election presents races for city councils, school boards, port commissioner and other offices.
And if it’s statewide influence you’re seeking, five ballot measures are offered. These include three initiatives dealing with privatizing liquor sales, training long-term care workers and tightening regulations on transportation funding, plus two proposed amendments to the state constitution.