County, state primary election returns lagging well behind 2020 levels

If the trend continues, only about one-third of the local electorate will cast balllots

Ballots are trickling in slowly for the Cowlitz County Aug. 6 primary election, lagging well behind the pace of returns tracked in the last presidential election year.

The county has 73,507 registered voters. Nearly 4,500 had returned ballots as of Friday afternoon, according to a tally by the Washington Secretary of State’s office. 

The county’s turnout rate so far is 6.1%, which is nearly on a par with statewide average of  6.5% . 

Local returns are well below the level at this same stage of the 2020 primary election, when returns were 10% at this point and ultimately ended up at just over 56%. This year’s statewide returns also are lagging well behind those of 2020.

The pace of county returns this year is about the same as in 2016, when they were at 5.66% by this point in the election cycle. Final turnout in that primary was 32.7%. 

If balloting continues at the same pace as it did eight years ago, only about one-third of the county’s voters will have cast ballots.

Voter turnout usually is higher in presidential election years like this one and those in 2016 and 2020.  Presidential contenders are not on the Washington August primary ballot, having competed in the March 12 special primary. They will be on the November general election ballot.

County elections officials were unavailable to discuss this year’s turnout. A spokesman for the Washington Secretary of State’s office, which oversees elections, said it would be pure speculation at this point to explain why turnout this year is lagging behind 2020 levels.

Nevertheless, my guess is that the decline in local news coverage may be partly to blame by reducing awareness of the candidates and the issues. I’m shocked, for example, at the number of people I encounter who have no idea of the conflicts raging at Longview City Hall.

Having trouble getting information about statewide candidates? Click “Online Voters’ Guide” on the Cowlitz County Elections website. It contains brief profiles about state, federal and local candidates.

Note: The Watchdog of Cowlitz County July newsletter is produced by the right-wing 4-C Republican group. It is not an official voters’ guide, although its cover encourages readers to “keep me with your voter pamphlet.” State and county voter guides do not endorse or rank candidates, as the 4-C newsletter does.

The United States historically has a lower voter turnout than many other democratic nations.

Low turnout is, of course, partly an indicator of voter apathy or a protest against the choices or “the system.” However, poor voter participation defeats the purpose of democracy and in effect authorizes minority rule. Government policy thus gets based on the opinions of a small number of people.

It’s also troublesome in other ways.

Candidates cannot claim any kind of a mandate when they are elected with only a small percentage of the vote. This has been an issue in Longview. Three council members elected in November claimed a mandate to upend city administration. However, low turnout meant they got the votes of only about one-fifth of the city’s registered electorate.

Low turnout often is linked to lower electoral participation by disadvantaged or marginalized voters, leaving more affluent sectors of the body politic to make policies affecting the fate of the poor and disabled.

Low turnout, especially in less populous counties, means victory can often turn on getting a core supporters and friends to vote. This is especially true in crowded fields, such as this year’s race for a Cowlitz County commissioner seat. Candidates should have to prove they have general appeal, not just the support of family, friends and like-minded citizens.

Turnout in every election varies and often depends on what’s at stake. Much is in play this year besides the presidential race. 

Track county and state election returns on this website: www.sos.wa.gov/elections/data-research/election-data-and-maps/ballot-return-statistics

Statewide, voters will select a new governor, a new state lands commissioner, a new insurance commissioner and at least one new state Supreme Court justice. 

Locally, voters this year will replace two outgoing county commissioners, Dennis Weber and Arne Mortensen. Six candidates are competing to replace Weber and three are seeking to succeed Mortensen. Legislative seats also are up for grabs in the 19th District, which stretches from Longview to coastal Grays Harbor.

Cowlitz voters will also will weigh in on an advisory vote about renewing the mental health tax, which funds drug court and other law enforcement programs. That measure will be on the general election ballot.

The “top two” primary decides which two candidates square off in the general election. Even if only two candidates are running, challengers especially want to do well in the primary so that they attract party and other support for their general election campaigns.

The sheer number of candidates appearing on primary election ballots could be daunting for voters. And getting information about state and federal candidates is a challenge.

Counties, including Cowlitz, publish and mail printed primary election voter guides. They do not include information on state and federal races because of the time and  effort involved.

The state does not print a primary voters guide, but it does have an online guide for statewide and federal candidates. Voters can access it on the Cowlitz County Elections website by clicking  “Online Voters’Guide.”   

To be valid in Washington, ballots must be postmarked by Aug. 6  or placed in election drop boxes by 8 p.m. on Aug. 6. Drop box locations are listed on the Cowlitz County Elections website.