Corrected Aug. 14 to fix AP style errors.
By: Sheridan Robbins
EVERETT, AUG. 8: Everett and Mukilteo Levy Lid Lifts and the Port of Everett Boundary Expansion have received a sweeping number of “No” from voters. U.S. Representative Rick Larsen, who has served for over two decades, leads District 2.
The Snohomish County Auditor’s office and volunteers have been continuing to count ballots for the August Preliminary Election. The county canvassing board will certify election results on Aug. 20.
Here are the current results based on last night, Aug. 7 counting’s:
Everett Proposition 1:
39.76% of voters voted to approve the Proposition 1 levy lid lift for Public Safety and Essential Public services, with a total count of 5,685 ‘Yes’ votes.
60.24% of local participants voted against the levy lid lift, with a total count of 8,617 votes.
There was a total of 59,752 registered voters at the time of this article. There was a turnout of 24.62% of registered voters who voted on Prop 1.
The Public Safety and Essential Public Services Levy Lid Lift would have increased Everett property taxes by approximately $28.00 per month for homeowners.
The city hoped to fund essential services including the police department, fire department, public library, and the local animal shelter, among others.
“I’m sad to see Everett voters deciding against Proposition 1, a sustainable funding option, as this will impact our community in negative ways,” Mayor Cassie Franklin said in a statement, “I respect the voice of the people and in the coming months, we will work together on the likely painful decisions necessary to cut $12.6 million from the 2025 budget.”
The city is asking the community for their input about the inevitable cuts.
There are a couple of ways community members can express their concerns regarding the cuts that will be taking place next year.
Community members can email [email protected] or mail comments to the City of Everett, C/O Communications, 2930 Wetmore Ave., Suite 10-A Everett, WA 98201.
Additionally, concerned citizens can provide comments at City Council meetings.
The council meets every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Everett City Council Chambers, located in the Everett Police Department North Precinct at 3002 Wetmore Ave.
Port of Everett Boundary Expansion:
The Port of Everett boundary expansion is expected to fail, with 32,151 (31.44%) votes in favor and 70,096 (68.56%) votes against.
The measure would have expanded the port’s boundaries to most of Snohomish County, excluding the Port of Edmonds.
Representatives of the Port of Everett claimed the expansion would bring more economic opportunities, such as jobs and resources to the community.
In all, there were 420,427 registered voters, with a participation rate of 25.91%.
Mukilteo Proposition 1:
The City of Mukilteo Proposition No. 1 to expand funding for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) had an approval rate of 48.50% with 2145 total votes.
So far 51.50% percent of voters rejected the measure with 2,278 votes.
The extra funding the City of Mukilteo requested would have been put towards more paramedic training, equipment, staffing and other expenses critical for EMS.
U.S. Representative Rick Larsen:
Larsen currently has 51.86% support from voters. Larsen’s advance from the primary election is the most likely outcome, however the results have yet to be officially finalized.
Representative Rick Larsen has issued the following statement in response to yesterday’s preliminary election results:
“I am humbled and energized by the preliminary results of this primary election. Tens of thousands of voters have made their voices heard, they have participated in and strengthened our democracy. For that, they have my thanks,” Larsen said.
Larsen has previously supported legislation such as the Workforce Opportunities For Communities in Recovery Act, which asked for more funding to help those in substance abuse recovery find employment and mentorship.
In his statement issued on August 6, Larsen said he wishes to continue to work to protect reproductive freedom, combat fentanyl in our communities, increase access to health care, and support America’s veterans.
The state general election will be held on November 5, 2024.
