With 75 percent of ballots counted, it's possible we'll see a surprise or two tomorrow, but this is statistically unlikely in all but a couple of races.
No incumbent who sought re-election in Lacey, Olympia or Tumwater appeared to be on track to be defeated.
Port of Olympia
In the county-wide races for Port of Olympia Commissioner, Bob Iyall is on track to beat Jessie Simmons; Amy Evans has taken a strong lead over Joel Hansen.
Both seats were open due to the retirement from the board of Commissioners Bill McGregor and E.J. Zita.
Lacey
In Lacey, four city council seats were up this year. Two of the contests were uncontested. Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder and Councilmember Michael Steadman were assured of re-election since the filing deadline last May 21.
Position 4 was open due to the retirement of Deputy Mayor Cynthia Pratt. In that race, Robin Vazquez has better than a three-to-two lead over Emma McSharry in tonights reporting.
In the race for the Position 7 seat, incumbent Carolyn Cox faces challenger Felix Peguero-Reyes. It's too early to call that race tonight, but Cox is ahead 56 to 44 percent.
Olympia
There are five city council positions in this election; none were uncontested.
Position 2: Incumbent Yen Huynh is running ahead of challenger Robbi Kesler, 56 - 44 percent.
Position 4: Incumbent Clark Gilman is running ahead of challenger Candace Mercer, 70 - 29 percent.
Position 5: Incumbent Lisa Parshley is running ahead of challenger Taluana Reed, 62 - 36 percent.
Position 6 (open seat): Dontae Payne is running ahead of Corey Gauny, 67 - 33 percent.
Position 7: Incumbent Jim Cooper is running ahead of challenger Spence Weigand, 52 - 47 percent.
Tumwater
Four city council seats were up this year. Three of the contests were uncontested. Council members Angela Jefferson, Eileen Swarthout and Michael Althauser were assured of re-election since the filing deadline last May 21.
In the race for Tumwater Mayor, current Position 6 council member Debbie Sullivan sought the seat being vacated by longtime Mayor Pete Kmet who is retiring. Her opponent, Pamela Hanson, effectively dropped out of the race several months ago and Sullivan has received 82 percent of the votes counted.
Position 6 (open seat): Peter Agabi is running ahead of Alex Rossiter, 67 - 32 percent.
Most voters stayed home
The current estimate is that some 58,177 ballots were voted; that's a small percentage shy of 30 percent of the potential 195,624 ballots issued to registered voters.
The complete counts of all races are available from the Thurston County Auditor's election website.
2 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
Johns2cents
I totally get it. People have given up on their local leaders. I guess the people that did vote want more of the same. Let's let the City of Olympia attract and retain more homeless people.
Nothing will change until we force these idiots out of office.
Friday, November 12, 2021 Report this
Cobbnaustic
I agree with John.
Wednesday, November 17, 2021 Report this