Saturday, October 3, 2026
The Aug. 5 Primary Election is right around the corner, giving Thurston County voters a chance to decide on some important measures, as well as who could be their next elected leaders.
The primary election typically draws lower voter turnout, said Thurston County Auditor Mary Hall. She expects around 25% of registered voters to participate in this election, but thinks turnout could be slightly higher than normal because of a highly contested school board position in Tumwater, as well as a parks measure in Lacey that seems to be drawing a lot of attention.
About 75% of the registered voters in Thurston County received ballots for the primary election, largely because the other registered voters live in jurisdictional areas where there are no measures or candidates in the primary.
Candidates are only in the primary election if there are three or more of them — if there are just two candidates they go straight to the general election, Hall said.
She also encouraged people to vote in these types of elections, largely because they don’t get as much attention as presidential or congressional contests.
“Don't forget to return your ballot. These are important races also because our local leaders become our future leaders,” Hall said.
City of Lacey Proposition No. 1 would establish the Lacey Metropolitan Park District.
The proposition would create the park district in order to provide ongoing funding to acquire, maintain, operate and improve parks, natural spaces, trails, recreational facilities and programs; set district boundaries as the city's corporate limits; designate the Lacey City Council as ex officio board of parks commissioners with all powers set forth in Chapter 35.61 RCW (Revised Code of Washington); and authorize the park board to set the maximum general tax levy rate at an amount up to $0.45 per $1,000 assessed valuation.
The Board of Thurston County Fire Protection District No. 9 (McLane Black Lake Fire Department) adopted Resolution No. 2025-02 concerning a proposition to restore its regular property tax levy.
This proposition authorizes the district to restore its regular property tax levy to $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed value to be assessed in 2025 and collected in 2026. The funds would maintain and improve fire protection, and emergency medical services, replace apparatus and equipment, and provide for firefighter safety.
The dollar amount of the 2025 levy collected in 2026 shall serve as the base for computing subsequent levy limitations as provided by chapter 84.55 RCW.
The current levy is approximately $1.42 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, but the district previously collected the $1.50 rate in 2022. Fire commissioners determined a return to the previous amount is necessary to maintain an effective level of service, staffing, equipment and facilities.
The Tanglewilde Parks and Recreation District Board of Commissioners adopted Resolution No. 1, which is a proposition relating to the district’s regular property tax levy.
This proposition would impose regular property tax levies of $0.60 or less per $1,000 of assessed property valuation for six consecutive years to pay for part of the general expenses of the district.
It would replace the current levy, which expires at the end of 2025. The levy provides funds for the maintenance and operation of the two parks and an outdoor pool facility within the Tanglewilde community. If approved, the levy would allow the district to collect approximately $160,000 per year for each of the next six years beginning in 2026.
Voters can turn in their ballots through Aug. 5 at open drop boxes around the county, or mail them in. The Thurston County Auditor’s Office, Elections Divison will be open until 8 p.m. on election night, and ballots can be received until that time.
Voting centers are located at the Thurston County Auditor's Office, Elections Division, 2915 29th Ave. SW in Tumwater and Lacey Timberland Library, 500 College St. SE in Lacey.
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