County residents vote to retain the status quo — almost

After months of inspired campaigning, vigorous debate, and so many letters to the editor, the Nov. 8 general election in San Juan County heads toward its conclusion.

With roughly 89 percent of the vote counted, San Juan County appears poised to elect a new Sheriff, with Eric Peter leading incumbent Ron Krebs by just under three percentage points — 51.2 percent to 48.5 percent. Peter leads by 196 votes with an estimated 950 ballots left to be counted.

The other races on the ballot reflect a desire to retain the current state of affairs.

The San Juan Island Library District proposition to issue $12 million in bonds to pay the capital costs of acquiring, constructing, furnishing and equipping a new building in Friday Harbor will fail, with 59 percent of voters rejecting the measure.

The County’s road levy lid lift proposition — which would add an estimated 44 cents per $1,000 in assessed property value above the rate for 2023 for the purpose of maintaining roads and marine facilities, repairing storm damage, and enhancing roads for pedestrians and cyclists — will also fail, with 56 percent of voters saying no.

All four County Charter amendment propositions on the ballot are likely headed for rejection as well.

Proposition 1, which would establish a new Public Advocate position for the County, was rejected by 65 percent of voters.

Proposition 2, which calls for several provisions related to the County’s Charter Review Commission, is the closest contest, with 51 percent of voters opting against it. 176 votes separate the two sides.

Proposition 3, which would put ranked-choice voting into effect in San Juan County if the Washington Legislature passes a law permitting the process, received 57 percent of the no vote.

Proposition 4, which would amend Title 6 of the County Charter to reduce the number of qualified signatures required for San Juan County initiatives and referendum petitions from 15 percent to eight percent of the votes cast in the county in the last election for Governor, was roundly defeated, with 67 percent of voters rejecting the measure.

Incumbents at all levels of state and federal government — Debra Lekanoff and Alex Ramel in Legislative District 40, Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, U.S. Representative for Congressional District 2 Rick Larsen, and U.S Senator Patty Murray — are currently leading their respective races.

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