Even though the recent general election certification is a week away, the races appear to be all but over.

While in many ways this election was business as usual, it was exceptionally different for Enumclaw and the unincorporated King County land around the city, as residents were kicked out of the reliably red Legislative District 31 and were absorbed into the Democratic stronghold of LD 5.

This change came about after a redistricting over in Eastern Washington, which caused a small ripple effect around the state.

This means, for the first time in decades, it’s likely King County’s southernmost city will be represented by Democrats in the state House.

That Democrat could be Victoria Hunt of Issaquah, who garnered 35.41% of votes counted on Aug. 9; on her heels is Black Diamond resident (and former state House representative) Mark Hargrove, who earned 27.4% of ballots. Both are running for LD5 Position No. 1.

“Early ballot results are in, and I am excited and very honored to be in the lead,” Hunt said in a prepared statement. “I’m very grateful for the support so far, and validation of my efforts to build a safer, more affordable and sustainable Washington. We still have more work to do for the upcoming General Election, and this result is a great foundation for success in November.”

“With five worthy candidates in my race, I’m honored that so many of my neighbors voted for me to represent them in Olympia,” Hargrove said in a prepared statement. “With two candidates remaining as we approach the general election, I hope to make it clear which candidate has the best ideas on how to keep you safe, reduce gas, food and home prices, cut wasteful government spending and taxes, help businesses thrive and focus our children’s education on teaching, learning and their safety.”

For Position No. 2, Democrat incumbent Rep. Lisa Callan, who got 57.82% of the vote, a comfortable lead over Republican Patrick Peacock, who got 42.9%.

And for the district’s senator race, Republican Chad Magendanz has roughly three months to expand his 45.63% to overtake Democrat incumbent, Rep. Bill Ramos’ 54.28%.

BUCKLEY LID LIFT, LD31 RESULTS

Down south, Buckley was one of only a few cities to run a proposition for a levy lid lift.

Passing by 64.52% as of Aug. 9, the lid lift will raise property taxes from about 30 cents to 50 cents for the Buckley Fire Department.

“We are very pleased with the preliminary results and fortunate to serve such a supportive community,” said BFD Chief Erik Skogen.

The lid lift, if the numbers hold, will be in place for six years, and each consecutive year, the city will be able to collect up to 6% more in property tax revenue than the previous year for a maximum of 50 cents. Normally, municipalities and other entities like fire departments can only collect 1% more in revenue each consecutive year, unless a measure is approved by voters.

After 2030, the levy would revert to the 1% in additional collections per year, unless the city decides to run, and voters approve, another lid lift.

According to the city, the current 1% yearly collection increase is not sufficient for the department during a time when call volumes are increasing “rapidly,” the fire department has said. According to the city’s 2024 budget, there’s been a 16% increase in calls since 2022 – more than four calls a day on average – and up to 90% of all fire department calls are for EMS.

For the average property owner with $500,000 in APV, passing the levy means a $100 increase in property taxes, from roughly $150 to $250.

But even though the city may be able to maintain that 50 cent tax rate for the next six years, that tax burden is expected to lessen as APVs are expected to grow and development increases.

The increase in revenue would allow the Buckley Fire Department to hire an additional full-time firefighter, city staff has said.

Legislative District 31

LD 31’s two House representative races were exciting in their own way.

For Position No. 1, state GOP Minority Leader Drew Stokesbary was challenged by Wilkeson resident Democrat Sara Sutterfield.

It was a landslide decision in Stokesbary’s favor, 64.25% to Sutterfield’s 35.62%.

Over in Position No. 2, recently vacated by Rep. Eric Robertson, four hopefuls battled it out.

Orting Mayor Joshua Penner, a Republican, received 38.82% of the vote, but on his heels was Democrat Brian Gunn with 29.61%.