SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — The “Yes” votes for the Spokane County Library District Maintenance and Operations is still leading after the second ballot count on Wednesday evening, but the race is still too close to call.
The ballot measure would allow the district to raise its regular property tax levy to a rate of $.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value, which could first be collected in 2020. The tax revenue would fund normal operation and maintenance of county libraries.
After the second ballot count, the “Yes” votes lead with 28,147 votes, or 54.5 percent of total votes cast so far.
The “No” votes are trailing with 23,500 votes, or 45.5 percent of total votes.
The Spokane County Library District has branches throughout the county and is separate from the Spokane Public Library, which was the center of controversy after two of its branches held “Drag Queen Story Hour” events in June.
The election won’t be finalized until Aug. 20, and additional counts will take place in the coming days. The next count is scheduled for Thursday at 6 p.m.
So far, 51,647 votes have been counted in the levy race.
Spokane County Auditor Vicky Dalton also said that a lot can change in races and measures between he initial count and the certification.
"In 2006, on Election night to certification, we saw a five percent swing," She said. "There were candidates winning on election night that ultimately lost on certification day."
For complete coverage of the races taking place on Tuesday, visit KREM’s main Primary election story. For live results, visit KREM’s election results page.