PORT ANGELES — The first count of ballots in Clallam County shows several close races, including one razor-thin contest for Port Angeles City Council.
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County Measures
Clallam County voters are strongly backing a charter amendment that changes the duties of the county coroner. The measure is passing with 81.6 percent approval — 10,247 votes to 2,304.
Meanwhile, the county’s levy lid lift for essential public services is failing, with 58.7 percent opposed (7,646 votes) and 41.3 percent in favor (5,370 votes).
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Port of Port Angeles
In the Port of Port Angeles Commissioner District 1 race, incumbent Colleen McAleerholds a commanding lead with 88 percent of the vote (10,127) over Nate Adkisson at 11 percent (1,294).
For District 2, incumbent Steven Burke leads with 84.9 percent (9,750) to Allen Sawyer’s 14.6 percent (1,681).
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Olympic Medical Center (Hospital District 2)
In a trio of competitive hospital commission races:
• Position 1: Gerald B. Stephanz Jr. leads incumbent Ann Marie Henninger, 55.9 to 43.7 percent.
• Position 4: Carleen Bensen is ahead of Tara Coffin, 58.8 to 40.5 percent.
• Position 7 is close, with Penney Sanders narrowly leading Laurie Force, 51.5 to 48.1 percent.
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City of Port Angeles
The tightest local race so far is for City Council Position 1, where James Taylor leads LaTrisha Suggs by just 21 votes — 1,313 to 1,292.
For Position 2, Drew Schwab is well ahead with 69.9 percent (1,745) to Tyler Slater’s 29.9 percent (745).
Mark Hodgson is running unopposed for Position 3, with 97 percent of the vote.
And for Position 4, Kate Dexter leads challenger Marolee “Mimi” Smith Dvorak, 61.7 to 37.9 percent.
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Port Angeles School District
Two close races are unfolding for school board seats:
• Position 1: Ned Hammar leads Sarah Methner, 50.5 to 49.1 percent.
• Position 2: Nancy Hamilton is ahead of Mary Hebert, 53.3 to 46.2 percent.
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Voter turnout so far stands at 22.38 percent, with 13,325 ballots counted and about 8,000remaining. The next results update is scheduled for Wednesday, November 5 at 5 p.m.