Voters approve EMS tax levies

CHENEY — Both Airway Heights public safety levy and Cheney’s Fire Department Emergency Medical Service levy have gained more ground since election day last week at 627-580 and 1,523-430 respectively.

If it holds, Airway Heights will be able to employ more police officers and equipment to handle the rise of crime by 133% in the last five years.

Cheney Fire Department will be able to continue servicing the community with medical assistance on their calls.

In contrast with the successes of the two levies, the 2024 primary election saw a lower turnout than expected, despite a competitive field of 28 gubernatorial candidates and numerous other

positions.

This year’s turnout was 43.67%, slightly less than the 46.58% seen in 2020, though 42.91% of these were accepted. With ongoing mail-in ballots, this figure might increase slightly before certification on Aug. 20.

Percentages were used to give a better perspective of the changes as many counties have grown considerably over the four years.

Regionally, voter turnout mirrored the state average, with Lincoln County leading at 47.90% and Adams County lagging at 31.16%. Spokane and Whitman counties had turnout rates of 39.12% and 41.88%, respectively.

Historically, turnout was 34.88% in 2016, 38.48% in 2012, and 42.60% in 2008. This year’s primary turnout stands at 43.07% of acceptable ballots.

Issues with signature verification have impacted ballot counting. Statewide, 8,971 signatures were mismatched, 4,775 envelopes were unsigned, and 41 ballots lacked a signature on file. Ballot rejection rates were close to the state average of 1.31% in Lincoln, Spokane, and Whitman counties, while Adams County had a higher rate of 1.94%.

Drop boxes were favored over mail-in ballots statewide, with Skamania County leading in drop box usage at 75.39%, and Lincoln County topping in mail-in ballots at 73.23%.

Voters aged 65 and older were the most active, making up 61.50% statewide. Lincoln and Spokane counties saw even higher rates at 69.40% and 68.10%, respectively. In Skamania County, the 18-24 age group had a higher turnout rate than those aged 25-34, at 23.60% and 18.30%, respectively.