Election results certified as final votes counted

Wahkiakum County election officials wrapped up the 2012 General Election this week.

Officials on Monday counted the nine ballots which had arrived since the previous count on November 6; on Tuesday, they reviewed results and certified the election.

In the county's closest race, for the District 1 county commission seat, Mike Backman maintained his lead over Greg Prestegard. Backman led by 22 votes on December 6; he led 1,116-1,093 after votes were counted Monday, a 23-vote difference.

In the county's other contested races, Dan Cothren defeated challenger Joan Harvey Chester 1,427-743 for the District 2 county commission seat; Tammy Peterson defeated Marlena Silva 1,240-857 for county treasurer, and Gene Healy defeated Lisa Marsyla 1,276-877 for the District 1 seat on the Wahkiakum PUD board of commissioners.