For nearly a month, The Columbian’s Editorial Board has been providing recommendations for the general election.
The time for talk is finally at an end. Ballots are scheduled to be mailed today, allowing voters to weigh in on how our cities, county, state and nation will be governed in coming years. Ballots may be returned at an official county drop box or through the mail. The deadline for drop-off is 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 8; if mailed, ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 8.
We also remind voters to sign the envelope containing their ballot. Signatures are checked against signatures on file as one of the most important protections against voter fraud.
The Columbian’s recommendations are, as always, designed to provide information and generate discussion. Before filling out a ballot, we hope voters learn about the candidates and the issues through coverage in The Columbian, information in the Voters’ Pamphlet or in-person meetings.
To help with that, the editorial board has interviewed dozens of candidates, starting before the August primary. Videos of all interviews are posted unedited at Columbian.com and on YouTube.
We hope that work will help as you engage in your civic duty by voting.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
