Based on early, unofficial primary election results, as of 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1, clear favorites have emerged in each of the local races, while votes to approve renewing South Pierce Fire & Rescue Proposition No. 1 are edging out no votes.
In the Yelm City Council Position 2 race, incumbent Joseph Richardson and Jerry Toompas are set to advance to the general election, although Toompas is maintaining an opening night edge over Richardson, 265-253, while challenger Shaune Keene mustered only 78 votes Tuesday.
In Rainier, Ryan Roth and Damion Greene are maintaining a close race, 84-81 votes respectively, but leading over Kirby McDonald, who picked up 68 votes. McDonald could not officially drop out of the race but announced that he would not pursue the position following a loss in his family.
In the Yelm Community Schools District No. 5 race, with results combined between Thurston and Pierce counties, incumbent Bill Hauss has a solid lead, with 1,794 votes, over challengers Karen “Kay” Anderson, 911 votes, and Linda Hale, 630 votes. If those results hold, Hauss will face Anderson in the general election in November.
As well, in Pierce County, opening night numbers for the South Pierce Fire & Rescue proposition 1 show more voters in favor than against, 1,317-1,213. If approved, the proposition would restore the property tax levy to its previous approved rate of $1.50 per assessed $1,000 property value to be collected in 2024 with annual increases of up to 6 percent for the subsequent five years. The 2029 levy dollar amount would then be used to compute the limit for any following levies voters approve.
Thurston and Pierce county elections offices will update results each day until all the votes are tallied. Go to https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/departments/auditor/elections and https://www.piercecountywa.gov/328/Elections to check future results.
Results as of 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1
Rainier City Council Position No. 2
Ryan Roth: 84 votes
Damion Green: 81 votes
Kirby McDonald: 68 votes
Yelm City Council Position No. 2
Jerry Toompas: 265 votes
Joseph Richardson: 253 votes
Shaune Keane: 78 votes
Yelm Community Schools District No. 5 (Combined Thurston and Pierce counties)
Bill Hauss: 1,794 votes
Karen “Kay” Anderson: 911 votes
Linda Hale: 630 votes
South Pierce Fire & Rescue Proposition No. 1
Multi-Year Fire and Emergency Levy Lid Lift The Board of Fire Commissioners of South Pierce Fire & Rescue adopted Resolution No. 2023-005 concerning an increase in the District’s property tax levy. If approved, Proposition No. 1 will restore the District’s regular property tax levy for fire and emergency services to the previous voter-approved rate of one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) per one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) of assessed valuation for collection in 2024, allow annual increases of up to six (6%) percent for each of the succeeding five (5) years and use the 2029 levy dollar amount for computing the limitation for subsequent levies. Should Proposition 1 be approved?
Yes: 1,317, 52.03%
No: 1,213, 47.97%
