BENTON COUNTY, Wash.-In Benton County several commissioner, councilmember, schoolboard and mayoral races were on the general election ballot. Voters also decided on Proposition 1, a continued public safety sales and use tax.
With just under 20,000 ballots counted as of election night, here’s a look at where Proposition 1 and other races stand according to Benton County.
Proposition 1: 74.53 percent approved, 25.47 percent rejected.
In 2014 voters approved a 0.3% sales and use tax to fund public safety in Benton County. With the original tax is set to expire at the end of 2024 and if approved, Proposition 1 would make the sales tax permanent.
Richland School Board: Three of five positions on the board were up for reelection on Nov. 7.
Director No. 4: Katrina Waters is leading with 56.43 percent of the vote over Kari Willams, who has garnered 43.32 percent in her bid to reclaim a spot on the board.
Director No. 3: Chelsie Beck is leading with 62.04 percent of the vote over Nino Kapitula for the seat on the board left vacant after Semi Bird was recalled in August.
Director No. 5: Incumbent Jill Oldson is leading with 54.82 percent of the vote to Gene Nemeth’s 44.99 percent.
Prosser Mayoral Race: In Prosser, incumbent Mayor Randy Taylor is currently leading challenger Gary Vegar by a margin of 71.9 percent to 27.48 percent.