Whether you filled out and turned in your ballot two weeks ago or are waiting until the final days, your vote counts the same. It is worthless, however, if you don’t partake.
Tuesday is Election Day; ballots must be postmarked by that day or must be dropped in a secure ballot box by 8 p.m.
Clark County voters will be helping to select a U.S. senator, a U.S. representative and a Washington secretary of state, along with several legislators and numerous county councilors and executives.
Even for experienced voters, there are some changes this year. Clark County positions for the first time are nonpartisan, meaning candidates do not express a preference for one political party or another. And for legislative positions, some voters will find themselves in new districts, particularly in the redesigned 17th, 18th and 20th districts.
Because of those changes, we hope voters have been paying attention and are prepared to cast an informed ballot. The Columbian has been reporting on the candidates and issues for months, and the editorial board has been weighing in with opinions. For voters who still are undecided, articles can be found at Columbian.com/elections.
Here is a recap of the editorial board’s recommendations:
- U.S. senator: Patty Murray is a clear choice.
- 3rd Congressional District: Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is a clear choice.
- Secretary of state: Steve Hobbs. Julie Anderson also is a strong candidate.
- Clark County Council, District 1: Glen Yung is a clear choice.
- Clark County Council, District 2: Michelle Belkot and Chartisha Roberts each have strengths but also weaknesses that concern us. We did not make a recommendation but did opine about the candidates.
- Clark County Council, District 5: Sue Marshall is a clear choice.
- Clark County auditor: Greg Kimsey is a clear choice.
- Clark County sheriff: John Horch is a clear choice.
- Clark County prosecuting attorney, treasurer, assessor and clerk: Incumbents are running unopposed and warrant reelection.
- 17th Legislative District Pos. 1: Kevin Waters. Terri Niles also is a strong candidate.
- 17th Legislative District Pos. 2: Paul Harris is a clear choice.
- 18th Legislative District Pos. 1: Stephanie McClintock. John Zingale also is a strong candidate.
- 18th Legislative District Pos. 2: Greg Cheney. Duncan Camacho also is a strong candidate.
- 20th Legislative District: Reps. Peter Abbarno and Ed Orcutt are running unopposed.
- 49th Legislative District Pos. 1: Sharon Wylie is a clear choice.
- 49th Legislative District Pos. 2: Monica Stonier is a clear choice.
- Public Utilities Commissioner, District 2: Nancy Barnes. Don Steinke also is a strong candidate.
- Clark County Charter amendment No. 10 (ranked-choice voting): No.
- Clark County Charter amendment No. 11 (appointment of county manager): Yes.
- Clark County Charter amendment No. 12 (preamble to county charter): Yes.
- Clark County Charter amendment No. 13 (filling vacancies): Yes.
- Clark County Charter amendment No. 14 (initiative process): No.
- Clark County Charter amendment No. 15 (diversity and inclusion office): No.
- Statewide Advisory Votes 39 & 40: These are merely advisory votes that have no statutory impact. We recommend a “maintained” vote.
