It’s been a few weeks of voters dropping off ballots, and on Nov. 5 King County Elections (KCE) posted the first round of early results in the general election at 8:15 p.m.
Local races involve candidates in Congressional District 9 and Legislative District 41, both of which cover Mercer Island.
At press time, current Congressional District 9 U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D) has 66.16% of the votes (169,641) and leads Melissa Chaudhry (D) with 31.33% (80,338).
Smith issued a statement on Nov. 6 and said he’s honored to work for 9th district residents and he and his team will remain dedicated to serving those people.
“We have a lot of work to do as a country to righten the course we are on. We need to lower the cost of living, tackle corporate greed, make our communities safer, and support the working class,” he said. “Just as crucially, we’ll need to find common ground with people we disagree with. We’ll need to improve the ways we handle political disagreements without resorting to extreme measures. I look forward to working on these challenges over the next two years.”
In Legislative District 41, current State Sen. Lisa Wellman (D) has 69.18% of the votes (47,849) and leads Jaskaran Singh Sarao (R) with 30.59% (21,156).
Wellman told the Reporter that she is honored and gratified for the support she received throughout her re-election campaign and pledges to honor voters’ trust in her by fighting tirelessly for the well-being of every Washingtonian.
“Despite our success at the local level, last night was a disheartening step back for America. Donald Trump, and the platform he brings with him, undermine not just the rights of women and LGBTQ+ communities, but threaten our fundamental democratic freedoms,” she said.
Wellman added about what makes Washington state and its citizens special: “We’ve shown that we value strong, community-oriented leadership and people-first policy. Together, we will build a better future for all, regardless of the challenges we face.”
In a statement from Sarao, he noted: “I congratulated Senator Wellman on her re-election and shared concerns I’ve gathered from doorbelling about public safety, education, and the high cost of living. Many immigrants feel the Democratic Party no longer represents them, and I’ll continue my advocacy for issues that matter to our community.”
On the national results, Sarao added: “I hope we’ll respect the democratic process and move away from divisive politics. Our Republican neighbors are not our enemies. Let’s come together across diverse views and cultures.”
Also in the 41st, State Rep. Pos. 1 Tana Senn (D) has 67.64% of the votes (46,895) and leads Emily Tadlock (R) with 32.15% (22,293).
Senn shared her reaction regarding the Nov. 5 results with the Reporter: “My strong election night numbers and the defeat of Initiatives 2109, 2117 and 2124 sends a clear message that our community cares deeply about a healthy future for our children. This gives me hope and solace, even with the dark shadow of the national results.”
Tadlock appreciates the people who voted for her to provide a new voice in Olympia that states her belief in the unlimited potential of the human spirit, fiscally responsible government spending and more. Nationally, she said the “results represent an overwhelming sentiment that a strong economy and free market approaches can and will empower individuals, businesses and communities to thrive and also the importance of restoring and protecting our constitutional freedoms.”
Finally in the 41st, current State Rep. Pos. 2 My-Linh Thai (D) has 65.64% of the votes (45,616) and leads Al Rosenthal (R) with 34.24% (23,792).
Thai said she is honored to earn the resounding votes from 41st voters.
She is continuing to focus her efforts on a more progressive tax system to benefit working people, and on more equitable healthcare and education systems in the state of Washington.
Thai also aims to “work towards a more safe and compassionate environment where everyone is seen and supported so that we thrive together,” she said.
The Reporter reached out to all candidates for statements.
VOTING EXTRAS
Locally, voters visited the 24-hour box situated at the Mercer Island Community & Event Center (8236 SE 24th St.) and slid their ballots inside. Nov. 5 was the final day to do so.
KCE Communications Manager Halei Watkins gave the Reporter a rundown of the election situation on Nov. 4: “All drop box locations in King County will have elections staff and plain-clothed security tomorrow for election day, beginning around noon. So far, we’ve had a very smooth election, with returns being really steady since we mailed out ballots on Oct. 16. No issues to report — just lots of voters using drop boxes and coming to see us at our Vote Centers.”
Watkins added on Nov. 6 that the elections retained a smooth course the night before and there were no problems at any drop boxes.
As of KCE’s 8 a.m. update on Nov. 6, “We’re at 70% countywide and 76% on Mercer Island. With all those last-minute ballots, those numbers will continue to climb,” said Watkins, adding that she thinks ballot returns will end up close to KCE’s 82% projection.
“Mercer Island regularly turns out at a higher rate than the rest of the county, so I would expect turnout for the Island to end up in the mid-80s,” she said.
Additionally on the local front, Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) Public Information Officer Lindsey Tusing noted on Nov. 6: “The evening was business as usual for MIPD on election night. We did not see any concerns.”
KCE will post an updated tally of early results by 4 p.m. on Nov. 13.
Final results will be certified on Nov. 26.
The 41st covers all of Mercer Island and Newcastle, with portions of Bellevue, Renton, Issaquah and Sammamish. The 9th includes Mercer Island, Renton, Tukwila, Des Moines, Federal Way and parts of Seattle, Bellevue, Kent and Auburn.
