Additional ballots tighten Chelan County primary races

WENATCHEE — Additional ballots counted Wednesday pushed Chelan County voter turnout to 33% and tightened several primary election contests, including the race for Chelan County commissioner, where Republican Shon D. Smith moved into a 10-vote lead over Democrat Clint Strand.

As of 4:50 p.m. Wednesday, 18,265 ballots had been counted from 55,034 registered voters, according to the Chelan County Auditor's Office. The next results update is expected Thursday afternoon.

In Washington's 8th Congressional District, incumbent U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier remained the top vote-getter in Chelan County with 49.44% of the vote, receiving 8,866 votes. Republican Spencer Meline held second locally with 19.67%, followed by Trinh Ha at 14.29% and Bob Hagglund at 12.85%.

Districtwide, Schrier maintained a commanding lead while Republicans Meline and Ha remained locked in a razor-thin contest for the second spot on the November ballot as counties across the district continued counting ballots.

The 12th Legislative District races also remained largely stable.

Republican Brian Burnett expanded his Chelan County advantage in the Position 1 race, receiving 53.38% of the vote to Democrat Stacy Willoughby's 46.51%. Although Burnett strengthened his local showing, the districtwide race remained extremely close as King and Snohomish counties continued processing ballots. Because only two candidates filed, both will advance to the Nov. 3 general election.

In the Position 2 race, incumbent Republican Mike Steele continued to lead in Chelan County with 52.48% of the vote. Republican Adam James received 26.28%, while Democrat Maggie Adams earned 21.19%. Districtwide, Steele and Adams remained on track to advance under Washington's top-two primary system.

The closest county contest changed hands Wednesday.

Smith overtook Strand in the race for Chelan County commissioner, District 2. Smith received 2,998 votes, or 45.90%, while Strand had 2,988 votes, or 45.74%. Independent Nathanial Helligso received 8.31%, leaving Smith with a 10-vote advantage heading into the next ballot count.

Independent Britini Port maintained her lead in the assessor's race with 53.20% of the vote over Republican Wes Cornelius, who received 46.61%.

In the auditor's race, Brian Brett held a comfortable lead over fellow Republican Brandt Cappell, 60.55% to 38.38%.

Independent Sandra Arechiga continued to lead the four-candidate race for county clerk with 38.83%, followed by Republican Marty Young at 30.01%. Republican Samantha J. Thompson received 16.61%, while Charlene Beck, who states no party preference, received 14.42%. Arechiga and Young remained in position to advance to the general election.

Sheriff Mike Morrison widened his lead over Republican challenger Stan Langlow, receiving 75.26% of the vote to Langlow's 23.98%.

Republican Rick Viall modestly expanded his advantage over Democrat Doug Miller in the county treasurer's race, leading 51.68% to 48.14%.

Republican Earl J. Crowe, running unopposed for coroner, received 98.37% of the vote. Republican Robert W. Sealby, unopposed for prosecuting attorney, received 97.98%.

All results remain unofficial. The Chelan County Auditor's Office is expected to release another ballot count Thursday afternoon as election officials continue processing ballots postmarked by Election Day before the election is certified.