Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
COLFAX – Ballots for the August Primary Election are set to be mailed Friday, July 17, with several state offices on the docket.
"We're really, highly encouraging [the public] to use the mail-in," said County Auditor Sandy Jamison. While voting by mail has been established in Whitman County for years, there are still locations that allow for in-person voting. Jamison is encouraging people to utilize their kitchen tables to vote instead of the elections office or Pullman City Hall.
She noted that social distancing guidelines which keep people spaced six feet apart do not allow much room for polling stations. Those voting in person would have to wear a mask and wait in line for one of the reduced number of stations.
In addition to the many state offices, there are contested races at the federal and county level and propositions from two towns.
Tom Handy of Pullman is challenging incumbent Dean Kinzer of Pullman for the County Commissioners District 2 seat. County commissioner races will appear only in the area eligible to vote on them. Art Swannack is running unopposed to retain his District 1 seat.
Cathy McMorris Rodgers is facing four challengers for the U.S. Representative Congressional District 5 seat.
Whitman County residents have skin in a couple state races. Dylan Nails of Colfax is one of 36 names on the ballot running for governor. Brett Borden of Pullman filed at the last minute against Mary Dye for the State Representative District 9, position one seat so she would not run unopposed.
Incumbent state Senator Mark Schoesler faces a challenge from Democrat Jenn Goulet, formerly of Pullman.
Farmington has two propositions on the ballot. The first is to finance street maintenance, repair and improvements, raising a total of $8,000 through a levy of $1.57 per $1,000 assessed value.
The second proposition is to finance the current expense fund, seeking to raise $15,000 through a levy of $2.94 per $1,000 assessed value.
A $62,000 street maintenance, repair and improvement levy proposition is also on the ballot for Garfield. The levy would be for $2.59 per $1,000 assessed value.
Primary Election Day in Aug. 4. Ballots must be postmarked on or before that date or deposited in elections dropboxes by the close of the day.
Jana Mathia is a reporter at the Whitman County Gazette.
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