Ballots for the Aug. 4 primary election will be mailed to voters by the Okanogan County Auditor’s office by this Friday (July 17) and should arrive within a few days. If you have not received a ballot by Friday, July 24, contact the Auditor’s Office to request a replacement ballot.
Although most of the candidates who filed for elective openings have either no challenges or just one — which means they advance automatically to the Nov. 3 general election — a few noteworthy contests will be on the ballot. As well, Okanogan County is asking for voter approval of a levy lid lift.
Okanogan County voters will be asked to approve an increase in the property tax levy rate by about 27 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation, to a maximum rate of $1.15, to address an approximate $2 million deficit in the county budget. The proposition requires a simple majority to pass.
For some county residents, an annual property tax levy that funds emergency room services at Three Rivers Hospital in Brewster will also be on the primary election ballot. Classified as an “excess levy,” it must be renewed by voters each year and requires a majority of at least 60% to pass.
Some things will be decided by the August primary. Eleven candidates have filed to fill the 4th Congressional District seat being vacated by Dan Newhouse. For the 7th District state senate seat, incumbent Shelly Short has the three challengers — Ron McCoy, Brandon Medina and David Swoap. In each case, the top two vote-getters will advance to the November general election ballot.
Ballots have pre-paid postage so there is no need for a stamp. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by election day. There are also drop boxes throughout our county. Ballot drop boxes are open until 8 p.m. on election night. Visit www.okanogancounty.org/auditor for a list of ballot box locations.
According to the Auditor’s Office website, if mailing your ballot, the United States Postal Service recommends that you mail it a week before Election Day. After that time, using an official ballot drop box is advised. If mailing on Election Day, have the post office hand-stamp your ballot.
July 27 is the deadline for completing online new voter registrations or updates to voter information online. In-person registration is permitted until 8 p.m. on election day. The Auditor’s Office is at 149 Third Ave. N, Room 104, in Okanogan.
