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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Spin Control

Incumbent mayor behind by 2

The results of this month’s Spokane County election were certified on Tuesday, but the counting isn’t over.

Elections officials next week will recount by hand votes in the race for Airway Heights mayor.

City Councilman Patrick Rushing’s lead over incumbent Mayor Matthew Pederson grew in the latest tally to two votes.

He only led by one after the previous count on Nov. 10. The new vote came from an Airway Heights resident who cast a ballot by Election Day but either didn’t sign it or submitted a signature that differed from the one on file, said Spokane County Auditor Vicky Dalton. Voters who cast ballots with signature problems are informed by the county. They have until the vote is certified to present a signature.

Rushing has 281 votes to Pederson’s 279. State law requires that races within 0.25 percent be recounted by hand.

The Spokane County Canvassing Board voted unanimously on Tuesday to certify the results of the Nov. 2 election. That decision finalizes all the counting except for the Airway Heights mayor race.

Dalton said the recount is scheduled for 10 a.m. Dec. 2.

Thirty-three voters in Airway Heights opted not to make a selection in the mayoral contest.

“That’s what’s so important about people getting their ballots, researching their decision and marking their vote because every single vote does count,” Dalton said.



Jonathan Brunt
Jonathan Brunt joined The Spokesman-Review in 2004. He is the government editor. He previously was a reporter who covered Spokane City Hall, Spokane County government and public safety.

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