Spokane County ballots in April special election due Tuesday

Voters have until Tuesday to return their ballots in a special election requesting funding for libraries, emergency communications and firefighting in southwest portions of Spokane County.

Ballots in the April special election are due by the end of the day Tuesday. Voters must have their ballots postmarked by then, deposited in a drop box by 8 p.m. or visit a voter service center on Election Day.

The Spokane County Auditor’s Office reported Friday morning that nearly 24 percent of the 307,715 ballots issued countywide had already been returned. Vicky Dalton, the county auditor, said election staff predicted turnout close to 35 percent, which would mirror the numbers in recent special elections.

“We always like to get closer to 40 percent,” she said.

Voters countywide are being asked whether to continue a sales tax funding emergency communication equipment and 911 services through 2028, and city voters must decide whether to renew a property tax levy funding Spokane Public Library operations through 2024. Residents in southwest Spokane County are also considering renewing a property tax levy lid lift funding firefighting services for Spokane County Fire District 3.

For a full list of ballot drop-off locations, a sample ballot and other election information, visit the Spokane County Auditor’s website at spokanecounty.org/177/Elections or call (509) 477-2320.