Community Government
Ballots for primary election arriving this week
The Pierce County Elections Office mailed ballots for the Aug. 4 primary election to registered voters this week. Ballots must be returned by election day, either to a drop box or via the mail.
Gig Harbor-area voters face several contested primaries, including for a Pierce County Council seat and two posts in the state House of Representatives.
Coverage of the contests will post on Gig Harbor Now this week and next.
Contested races
Local primary election ballots will include these contested races. State election laws allow candidates to describe their party affiliation in any manner they choose.
Sixth Congressional District
Candidates include incumbent Democrat Emily Randall of Bremerton; Republican Teresa Fox; “Trump Republican” Leon Lawson; independent Brian P. O’Gorman; and Macy Jones, who “states no party preference.”
26th Legislative District
Senate: Candidates include incumbent Democrat Deborah Krishnadasan and Republican Gary Parker. Both candidates will advance to the November general election, but state law requires the race to be on the primary ballot.
House Position 1: Candidates include Republican David Olson and two Democrats, incumbent Adison Richards of Gig Harbor and challenger Natalie Bornfleth of Port Orchard. The top two candidates, regardless of party affiliation, will advance to the general election.
House Position 2: Candidates include Republican Katy Cornell; Democrats Renee Hernandez Greenfield and Tedd Wetherbee; and Randy Phillips, who “states no party preference.” Incumbent Michelle Valdez, a Republican, did not seek re-election. The top two candidates will advance.
Pierce County Council
Voters will select two candidates to advance to the general election for the seat representing Gig Harbor, the Key Peninsula and parts of Tacoma on the council. Four names appear on the primary ballot, though only two are candidates.
Active candidates include Democrat Brenda Lykins, Republican Mike Solan and Chuck West, who “prefers nonpartisan party.” Ann E. Jolie also appears on the ballot as a Republican, but she is urging voters to support Solan.
Incumbent Robyn Denson, a Democrat, did not run for re-election.
Several judicial and precinct committee officers also will be on the primary ballot.
Drop box locations
In the Gig Harbor area, drop boxes are at these locations:
Gig Harbor Library, 4424 Point Fosdick Dr.
Gig Harbor Civic Center, 3510 Grandview St.
Nichols Community Center, 690 Ninth Ave., Fox Island
Purdy Park and Ride, 14567 Purdy Dr.
Lake Kathryn Food Market, 14220 92nd Ave.
Key Center Food Market, 9021 Key Peninsula Highway, Lakebay
Home Park, 17220 Eighth Ave., Lakebay
Voter registration details
Those who are not registered to vote may do so online through July 27 or in-person at the Elections Office in Tacoma through election day.
The Elections Office asks voters who have not received their ballot by July 18 to call 253-798-8683 or email [email protected].