Primary election ballots to be mailed July 19

SPOKANE – Registered voters in Spokane County will begin receiving their ballots July 19 for the upcoming primary election.

To be counted, primary ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6.

The election features numerous candidates at the local, state and federal levels.

West Plains voters may also notice a change in voting districts.

Airway Heights, Fairchild Air Force Base, Medical Lake and surrounding areas are now part of the 6th Legislative District; while Cheney, Spangle, Waverly, Latah, and Fairfield are in the 9th Legislative District.

In the 6th District, both state representatives are up for re-election.

In the 9th District, both representatives and Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, who is running unopposed, are up for re-election.

At the county level, Spokane County Commission District No. 5 covers Cheney, Medical Lake, Airway Heights, Marshall and the surrounding areas.

Democrat Molly Marshall is challenging running incumbent Republican Al French.

This election is an even year, which includes several federal offices.

Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Mountlake Terrace, is running for re-election to the Senate, a position she has held for 24 years. She faces 10 challengers, including Paul Giesick from her own party.

In the 5th Congressional District race, 11 candidates — six Republicans and five Democrats — are vying for the seat currently held by Cathy McMorris-Rodgers, R-Spokane, who is not seeking re-election.

The governor’s race features 28 candidates. Two candidates named Bob Ferguson — the same as State Attorney General Bob Ferguson who is also running for governor — had to drop out after creating controversy in the race.

Other statewide offices open for election include lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, state auditor, attorney general, commissioner of public lands, superintendent of public instruction and insurance commissioner.

There a number of Spokane County Superior Court judge positions on the ballot.

Airway Heights, Cheney and Fire District Nos. 4, 9 and 13 all have propositions on the ballot.

Voters have the option to mail their ballots or drop them off at designated ballot boxes.

Local locations include:

• Cheney Library, 610 First St.

• Airway Heights Library, 1213 S. Lundstrom St.

• Fairfield Library, 305 E. Main St.

• Medical Lake Library, 312 E. Herb St.

• Waverly Town Hall, 255 N. Commercial St.

Additionally, ballots can be dropped off at the Elections Office at 1033 W Gardner Ave in Spokane during business hours.