The Vader, Ryderwood, Winlock-area fire district that crosses into both Cowlitz and Lewis Counties was passing its levy lid lift in the Aug. 1 primary election, according to preliminary results from both counties’ elections offices.
Both Cowlitz and Lewis voters approved the measure in similar sweeping fashion, with 74.19% of Cowlitz voters in favor and 69.45% of Lewis voters backing the measure.
Out of a combined total of 430 voters, the measure is very likely to pass at 71.16% or a total of 306 votes in favor to 124 against.
The proposition, according to the voters pamphlet, is meant to maintain operations for Cowlitz-Lewis Fire District 20. If approved, it would establish a regular tax levy permanently at $1.35 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Collection on the levy would begin in 2024 based on property values assessed in 2023.
If approved officially after the election certification, funds will “maintain and improve fire protection, emergency medical services and provide for 24-hour paid staffing of personnel and necessary equipment,” stated the voters pamphlet.
Total Ballots Cast: 13421, Registered Voters: 67842, Overall Turnout: 19.78%
In the first round of ballots counted, just 21.82% of Lewis County’s 35,140 registered voters had turned out and only 19.78% of Cowlitz County’s 67,842 voters turned in ballots.
The next set of results from Lewis County was slated to come in at 4 p.m. on Aug. 2, and the election is set to be certified on Aug. 15.
Full preliminary results from Lewis County primary election can be found here: https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20230801/lewis. For Cowlitz, that information is available at https://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/29755/Unofficial-Cumulative-Results-812023.
