A loaded 2019 election is stacked with seven mayors, two Port of Grays Harbor commissioners and a slew of city council seats up for grabs. The General Election isn’t until fall, but filing is just around the corner.
So far, Montesano Mayor Vini Samuel has announced her run for re-election; Cosmopolis Mayor Frank Chestnut has said he will not. Tom Quigg, recently appointed to the Port of Grays Harbor Commission, has also officially announced his plan to run to retain his seat.
In total, there are 108 countywide, municipal and district positions up for grabs. The primary election is in August and, in order to vote, you must be registered by Aug. 6. The general election is Nov. 5.
The candidate filing period is May 13-17. Anyone who is a registered voter in the district with a valid email address who can pay the filing fee can file for a position within that district. Filing fees and more information can be found on the County Auditor’s elections page, wei.sos.wa.gov/county/graysharbor/en/Pages/ElectionsHome.aspx
Cities
Aberdeen
Mayor Erik Larson has yet to officially announce his intention to run for re-election, and no competitors have yet made themselves known. On the City Council, there is one position up for election in each of the six Wards: Jim Cook, Ward 1; Kathi Prieto, Ward 2; Jeff Cook, Ward 3; Margo Shortt, Ward 4; Pete Schave, Ward 5; and Dee Anne Shaw, Ward 6.
Hoquiam
Mayor Jasmine Dickhoff has not yet announced her intentions. There are seven City Council positions in this year’s election: Dave Wilson Sr., Ward 1; Steven Puvogel, Ward 2; Shannon Patterson, Ward 3; Ben Winkelman, Ward 4; Brenda Carlstrom, Ward 5; and both positions in Ward 6, David Hinchen and Mary Stinchfield.
Cosmopolis
The election for mayor is wide open, and there are three of the five City Council seats up for election: Position 1, Kyle Pauley; Position 2, Karl M. Sperring; and Position 3, Jim Ancich.
Ocean Shores
Mayor Crystal Dingler’s seat is open for challengers. On the City Council, there are five elections: Position 2, Jeff Daniel; Position 3, Lisa Griebel; Position 4, Jon Martin; Position 6, Bob Peterson; and Position 7, Diane Solem.
Westport
The position of mayor, held currently by Rob Bearden, is up for election. So are two City Council positions: Robert N. Parnell, Position 2; and Brandi Holmes, Position 5.
East County
Elma: Mayor Jim Sorensen’s position is up for grabs, as are two City Council seats.
McCleary: Two City Council positions.
Montesano: Along with Mayor Samuel, there are three City Council elections.
Oakville: Two City Council positions.
Hospital districts
Hospital District 2 has three positions up for election; Hospital District 1 has two.
School districts
There are 47 school board elections on this year’s ballot, some crossing county borders into Mason, Lewis, Thurston and Pacific.
Fire districts
There are 16 fire districts with a total of 19 commissioner seats up for election.
Other elections
• Park District 1 in Pacific and Grays Harbor counties has three positions up for election.
• Water districts 1, 2 and 8 each have one position up for election.
• Cemetery District 1 in Grays Harbor County has one position up for election.
