Election results certified in Okanogan, Douglas counties

OKANOGAN – The final results of the Nov. 3 general election have been certified by both Okanogan and Douglas county auditors and the figures show some telling differences between both rural counties and results statewide.

Both Okanogan and Douglas county voters rejected Referendum Measure 90 while statewide the bill passed by roughly the same margin. The measure as outlined in the official voter’s pamphlet would require school districts to adopt or develop, consistent with state standards, comprehensive age-appropriate sexual health education, as defined, for all students and excuse students if their parent request.

Okanogan voters opposed Referendum 90 11,753 (56.67 percent) to 8,986 (43.33 percent) and Douglas was even wider, 12,399 (59.64 percent) to 8,390 (40.36 percent). Statewide approval by some 15 percent was 2,283,630 votes (57.82 percent) to 1,665,906 (42.13 percent).

While statewide voters favored the Democratic ticket of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris over President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence by more than 750,000 votes, Okanogan and Douglas county voters favored Trump/Pence by 2,940 and 5,144 votes, respectively.

In the race for governor Republican challenger and former Republic Chief of Police Loren Culp received strong support from Okanogan and Douglas county voters with more than 60 and 65 percent, respectively. It was not enough to sway the statewide endorsement of incumbent Jay Inslee who won a third term with 56.56 percent of Washington voters.

There was agreement all round on all four advisory votes regarding tax measures imposed by the state legislature without a vote of the people. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bills 32 and 34, Engrossed Senate Bill 35 and Substitute Senate Bill 33 were rejected by Okanogan/Douglas voters and statewide as well. The same result held for Engrossed Senate Joint Resolution 8212, a proposed constitutional amendment that proposed private investment of Long-Term Care Trust funds.

Locally incumbents from the 4th Congressional District, 7th and 12th Legislative Districts, and County Commissioners Districts 1 and 2 all retained their positions.

Statewide election results can be found online at results.vote.wa.gov. Douglas County results can be found at douglascountywa.net. Okanogan County results are available online at okanogancounty.org/auditor.