Every four years, the presidential election captures the collective excitement, hopes and anxiety of the nation, spurring debates among neighbors and driving the televised 24-hour news cycle. It’s everywhere you turn, and the outcome can feel like a triumph or the end of the world, depending on how you voted.
But if you ask your local newspaper reporter what election they’re most excited about, they might say the midterms.
That’s because for Lewis County residents, this November’s ballot will contain races for almost all of the county’s highest and most powerful elected positions — including county assessor, auditor, clerk, commissioner for district 3, coroner, two district court judges, and the county prosecutor, sheriff and treasurer.
In addition, two U.S. Senate and Congressional races and four local legislative seats will be on the ballot.
While not nearly as flashy as the presidency, we at The Chronicle would argue that these local positions have a greater potential to impact a regular citizen’s life.
Last, and maybe most exciting, the ballot will contain a proposition to begin drafting a home rule charter — basically a new Lewis County constitution — and 15 positions for freeholders — elected citizens who will draft that charter, provided voters give them the go-ahead.
No TV news cameras will televise the upcoming debates, and no TV pundits will discuss the merits of these candidates or their issues. There will likely be few fiery, rhetoric-charged battles between Democrats and Republicans, if any, in Lewis County.
Off-year and midterm elections typically have dismal voter turnout at the local level, but a disproportionately huge effect on a Lewis County resident’s life.
The assessor’s office handles valuations that determine how much residents pay in property taxes. The auditor’s office manages elections and monitors all Lewis County financial transactions. The treasurer also manages the county’s (your) money. The sheriff’s office, coroner, clerk, prosecutor’s office and district court judges work together to provide law and justice.
And the home rule charger and freeholders could radically change all of that.
This November, you will have a say in who sets the example and policy in those offices. So far, all of the incumbents have filed for reelection.
You might wonder why we’re talking about the November election when it’s still half a year away. Well, that’s because this is Washington’s filing week — a five day period when candidates for all offices on the general election ballot must register.
Friday is the final day for candidates to file. If no candidates register for a race, the Lewis County Auditor’s Office can schedule a special filing period.
If you’ve always wanted to get involved in government, here’s your shot! As of Monday afternoon, there were still a handful of freeholder districts with no candidates.
The Chronicle plans to follow filing week closely and provide regular updates both in our print edition and online through the week.
For more information about open positions, candidates who have filed or general election information, go to elections.lewiscountywa.gov.
