Local election resultsunchanged in 2nd count; levy amendment gains

Margins in Wahkiakum County’s two contested elections remain unchanged as the election officers counted a second batch of ballots last Thursday.

In the closest race, between incumbent Cathlamet council member David Goodroe and write-in candidate Ruth Doumit, Goodroe maintained a narrow lead, 93-88. He led 92-85 when ballots were counted on election day.

Challenger Blair Brady solidified his lead into apparent victory over incumbent Tom Doumit in the race for county commissioner. Brady, a Democrat, led 942-778 after Thursday; he led 891-718 on election day.

With that much of a lead, Brady was invited to attend this week’s meeting of the Washington Association of Counties. Because Doumit, an independent, had been appointed to fill a vacant position, Brady will take office November 27, when final ballots are counted.

Elsewhere, state election officials say EHJR 4204, the Simple Majority for school levies, is passing for the first time since election night a week ago.

Voter support for the Simple Majority has increased each day as county elections departments count late-arriving mail-in ballots. This week, the Secretary of State's office reported the vote for the measure is now 50.2 percent in favor, 49.8 percent opposed.

Supporters worked hard to encourage pro-education voters to cast their ballots. They expected the election would be close.

EHJR 4204, a constitutional amendment, would allow school levies to pass by a simple majority of voters instead of the 60 percent supermajority rule now required.