 "Photo: Matthew Brady | The Spectator")
Statewide voting numbers were down this year after an estimated 28.24 percent of approximately three and a half million Washington State registered voters sent in their ballots.
There were several highly anticipated state contests this year including Referendum 71—a referendum that will uphold legislation signed by Governor Christine Gregoire in 2007 affording same sex couples the same legal rights as their heterosexual counterparts. As of Tuesday night, Referendum 71 was on the way to being passed with a narrow margin of 51.1 percent to 48.8 percent.
Erika Bailey, freshman international studies major was pleased with the election results, most specifically the likely approval of Referendum 71.
“It puts our state in the right direction as far as equal rights,” Bailey said. “This is a stepping stone toward gay marriage.”
A county breakdown shows the state was drastically divided on Referendum 71. All eastern Washington counties overwhelmingly voted to reject the referendum while a majority of western Washington counties approved it, with the exception of Pierce County.
King County had the highest approval of the referendum with 65.91 percent.
While most of Washington state’s populous is located in a few counties in western Washington—primarily King, Snohomish and Pierce—voter turnout was highest in eastern Washington counties that rejected the referendum. Columbia County, in the southeast corner of the state, posted a 66 percent voter turnout compared to King County’s 23.55 percent rate.
Another highly contested state measure, I-1033, centered on limiting the growth in state, county and city budgets was rejected 55.64 percent to 44.54 percent.
Seattle city voters were deciding between mayoral candidates Joe Mallahan and Mike McGinn. As of late Tuesday night, McGinn was leading 50.03 percent to Mallahan’s 48.96 percent. The election results are expected to lead into the week and no winner had been declared Tuesday.
In a somewhat surprise victory, the King County executive race bucked early poll numbers. Dow Constantine was leading Susan Hutchison Tuesday night 57.01 percent to her 42.76 percent. Hutchison had not formally conceded as of Tuesday night, though Constantine declared victory.
In a statement Tuesday night, Gov. Chris Gregoire congratulated Constantine on his win.
“I look forward to working with him on issues of common importance to the state and the county, such as the potential for flooding in the Green River valley and the economic recovery of our region,” Gregoire said.
Overall voter turnout was down dramatically since this time last year. The 2008 presidential election drew more than 80 percent voter turnout in Washington state. Many have contributed the low turnout to the off election year.
29 comments
I honestly fail to understand the small minds of people who would begrudge somebody else the same rights they are already able to enjoy! What difference does it make to one individual, whom another individual loves and cares for. I have yet to hear one valid argument how the same rights for everyone affects one group negatively! It is a shame how some people still think, they are different and better than others...it's exactly that bigotry and small mindedness that keeps us from growing into the right direction and from pulling together as a whole. We are all humans and none have more or less value than others!
For everyone that has voted for this victory, well done! For the ones that haven't... what's wrong with you?