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

Today’s postmark a must on mail-ins

Drop boxes also available; Idaho polls open until 8 p.m.

It’s Election Day in Washington and Idaho. Although the 2009 elections may not have as many momentous decisions as last year, voters are being asked to decide a range of local races and issues.

Washington residents, who primarily vote by mail, must have their ballots postmarked by today. Elections officials suggest taking the ballot to a post office and asking a postal worker to have it postmarked today, rather than depositing it in a neighborhood mailbox.

Ballots also can be deposited before 8 p.m. at boxes set up in locations determined by county elections offices. No postage is needed for ballots placed in the drop-off boxes.

Most Idaho residents go to the polls, and polling stations in North Idaho are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

All Washington voters have at least two ballot measures to decide. Initiative 1033 would place limits on spending for state, county and city governments; Referendum 71 asks whether an expansion of domestic partner benefits the Legislature passed earlier this year should be allowed to take effect.

Around Spokane County, cities and towns are holding council elections, and some are electing mayors. School, fire and water districts have elections for boards.

The city of Spokane has four ballot propositions, one for a $33 million fire bond and three connected to a series of amendments to the City Charter known as the Community Bill of Rights.

In southeastern Washington’s 9th Legislative District, a special election will fill a vacancy in the state House of Representatives.

Kootenai County voters will decide several mayoral and City Council races along with a countywide ballot measure regarding a jail expansion.