11-7-2018

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Preliminary results are in for our local and state races and initiatives.

The “No on 1631” campaign broke state records for fundraising, which may have paid off as the initiative to tax carbon emissions is being rejected by just over 56% of voters.

I-1634, which would prevent local governments from imposing taxes on food and drink, also had a lot of money behind it and is passing with nearly 55%.

Meanwhile, the gun control initiative that would raise the legal age to buy semi-automatic rifles and punish gun owners who do not lock up firearms has a surprising 60% in support.

The last state measure, I-940, which would make it easier to prosecute law enforcement has 59% of voters in favor.

In congressional races, incumbent Democrat U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell will likely serve another term with more than 58% of the vote over former Republican State Party Chair Susan Hutchison.

So far it looks like the Democratic incumbents will hold onto the 1st and 2nd District Representative seats with Rick Larsen getting a definitive 72% of the vote and Susan DelBene leading challenger Jeffrey Beeler with more than 58%.

The hotly contested District 8 position, which is one of the costliest and most closely watched in the nation, has Democrat Kim Schrier pulling ahead of Republican Dino Rossi with about 53% support.

On the state legislative level, most races are still too close to call.

Incumbent Republican State Senator Doug Ericksen is neck and neck with Democrat Pinky Vargas, leading by just over 400 votes.

Fellow Republican incumbent, State Representative Luanne Van Werven is also holding onto a razor thin lead over Democrat challenger Justin Boneau.

Less than 200 votes separate Republican State Representative Vincent Buys and his Democrat challenger Sharon Shewmake.

But, the 40th District race is looking like a blowout with Democrat Debra Lekanoff beating Republican Michael Petrish with 71% of the vote.

Locally, Tom SeGuine is trailing Cecily Hazelrigg-Hernandez for the court of appeals position with about 47% in favor.

Eric Richey is leading James Erb in the race for Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney by roughly 8,000 votes.

And the County Council At-Large seat appears likely to go to Carol Frazey over Mike Peetoom.

A low-income housing levy in Bellingham is passing with more than 66% in favor, while a Ferndale School District bond for $112 million is just under the required 60% approval needed to pass.

The next round of ballot count results will be released after 5:00 PM today.

Our mail-in system means thousands of ballots remain to be counted.