It’s primary election day in Washington
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, August 1st, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
Election Day in Washington state is today (Tuesday) and voters in Benton County will be choosing candidates to fill seats on the Port of Benton, Richland City Council and decide on who will be the next mayor for the city of Prosser.
Also on the ballot, three positions on the Richland School Board, plus three separate recalls against board members Audra Byrd, Misipati Semi Bird, and Kari Williams.
Proponents of the recall effort against the three Richland School Board members claim they violated the Open Public Meetings Act by voting at a special meeting taking final action on the matter of making masking optional at schools during the pandemic; violated the law, even after warnings from the state and from legal counsel, when they took the vote; and violated district policies and procedures by failing to assure compliance with law and policy.
In Franklin County, voters will be choosing to fill a seat on the Connell City Council.
In Walla Walla County will be choosing candidates to fill two positions on the Walla Walla School Board. About 1,000 voters living in Walla Walla County Fire Production Number Two will also be asked to approve a property tax levy of $1 per $1,000 of assessed value for fire protection and emergency medical services. Voters are reminded that all ballots must be placed in a drop box by 8 p.m. tonight. If mailing the ballot, the postmark must read today, Aug. 1.
