Low voter turnout marks Nov. 2 general election

Vancouver voters re-elect Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle; Clark County voters reject sales tax to provide dash and body cameras for the Clark County Sheriff’s Office

A low turnout of Clark County voters was the biggest news Tuesday as results of the No. 2 general election was announced by the Clark County Elections Department.

As of Tuesday evening, only 18.38 percent (59,644) of Clark County’s 324,455 registered voters have ballots that have been counted. Election officials estimate another 25,000 ballots will be counted in the days to come. The election is scheduled to be certified on Nov. 23.

As of Tuesday evening, only 18.38 percent (59,644) of Clark County’s 324,455 registered voters have ballots that have been counted. Election officials estimate another 25,000 ballots will be counted in the days to come. Photo by Andi Schwartz
As of Tuesday evening, only 18.38 percent (59,644) of Clark County’s 324,455 registered voters have ballots that have been counted. Election officials estimate another 25,000 ballots will be counted in the days to come. Photo by Andi Schwartz

Clark County voters appear to have rejected Proposition 10, which would have created 1 0.1-percent sales tax for juvenile detention facilities and jails. That would have allowed funds to be used for a program to provide dash and body cameras for the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. Only 44.07 percent (25,111) of the voters were in favor and 55.93 percent (31,871) were opposed.

Clark County voters were also asked to determine nine proposed amendments to the Home Rule Charter. Voters approved all but one, Amendment No. 6, which would have created a Department of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The Amendment was rejected 55.79 percent (31,849) to 44.21 percent (25,242).

In Vancouver, Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle won re-election, garnering 67.23 percent (12,455) of the votes. Challenger Earl Bowerman, former chairman of the Clark County Republican Party, received 32.4 percent (6,003) of the votes.

Voters in Camas also elected a new mayor Tuesday. Steven Hogan appears on his way to claiming the position after receiving 56.58 percent (2,336) of the votes. Jennifer Senescu received 43.09 percent (1,779).

Washougal will also have a new mayor. Rochelle Ramos was originally set to face Derik Ford in the race. Ford, who is now deceased, later withdrew from the race, too late for his name to be removed from the ballot.

In addition to the mayor’s race, voters in Vancouver were also asked to decide three races for positions on the Vancouver City Council. One of those races appears too close to call as former Clark County Councilor John Blom (50.88 percent, 9,231 votes) owns a small lead over Kim Harless (48.4 percent, 8,782 votes) after the first results.

In the race for Position 2 on the Vancouver City Council, current councilor Erik Paulsen received almost 80 percent of the votes (79.48 percent, 14,192). Kara Tess received 19.99 percent (3,570). In the Position 3 race, Diana Perez appears to be on her way to earning the position. Perez has 59.99 percent (10,877) of the votes. David Gellatly received 39.62 percent (7,183).

Photo by Andi Schwartz
Photo by Andi Schwartz

Four positions on the Battle Ground City Council were on the ballot for the Nov. 2 general election. In the Position 1 race, Troy McCoy is leading (54.86 percent, 1,179) Brian Munson (44.77 percent, 962). In the Position 4 race, Battle Ground Mayor Adrian Cortes (59.64 percent, 1,278) has a sizable lead over Josh VanGelder (39.76 percent, 852). For Position 5, Tricia Davis (53.26 percent, 1,143) is leading Neil Butler (46.32 percent, 994). Cherish DesRochers received 63.33 percent (1,359) of the votes in the Position 6 race and Josie Calderon has 35.79 percent (768).

Three positions on the Camas City Council were on the Nov. 2 ballot. In the race in Ward 1, Position 2, Marilyn Dale-Boerke (50.65 percent, 1,999) leads Gary Perman (49.05 percent, 1,936) by just 63 votes. In the Ward 2, Position 2 race, Tim Hein (60.5 percent, 2,271) had a comfortable lead over Martin Elzingre (39.08 percent, 1,467). And in the Ward 3, Position 2 race, Leslie Lewallen (52.48 percent, 2,075) has a lead over Jennifer McDaniel (46.99 percent, 1,858). 

La Center voters were determining the outcome of three City Council positions. Melissa Fox received 61.55 percent (373) of the votes in the race for Position 1. Melissa Fox has 38.28 percent (232). In the race for Position 2, KC Kasberg (60.7 percent, 366) has a similar lead over Dennis Hill (38.81 percent, 234). Current councilor Randy Williams (37.27 percent, 224) appears to be losing his seat on the council to Sean Boyle (62.4 percent, 375).

The long contested race on the Ridgefield City Council was for Position 6. Mayor Don Stose and Ron Onslow both were unopposed on the ballot. Jennifer Lindsay has a comfortable lead in the Position 6 race with 75.15 percent (992) of the votes, compared to Ken Spurlock’s 24.24 percent (320).

In Washougal, the race for Position 5 appears to be going to Molly Coston (58.65 percent, 1,238), who has a sizable lead over Chris de la Rocha (40.88 percent, 863).

A levy in the Battle Ground School District appears to be passing. The levy supports educational programs and operations. It will cost property owners $1.99 per $1,000 of assessed value. Voters rejected a proposed levy in February. This time, 52.28 (5,950) percent of the voters were in favor and 47.72 percent (5,430) were opposed.

Election results will be updated by the Clark County Elections Department daily. For all election results, go to https://clark.wa.gov/elections.

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