Irrigation district election bill passes WA Senate
STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 8 months AGO
On Monday the Senate passed a bill, sponsored by Senator Nikki Torres (R-Pasco), permitting mail-in ballots for irrigation-district elections.
Courtesy photo
OLYMPIA – On Monday the Washington Senate passed a bill permitting mail-in ballots for irrigation-district elections.
“This is a commonsense bill that has been well-worked in previous sessions,” said Senator Nikki Torres (R-Pasco), primary sponsor of the bill. “Irrigation districts are the oldest form of special purpose districts in Washington. The election procedures for irrigation districts reflect this and are antiquated, with even the wording of the current law being in desperate need of an update.”
The release from Torres’ office stated Senate Bill 5709 permits the use of mail-in ballots in place of exclusively polling places and absentee ballots amongst other changes. There are about 100 irrigation districts throughout the state.
“Senate Bill 5709 removes some questionable terminology from the law, makes some changes to how someone becomes a candidate for the district board, and allows for the safe and secure use of mail-in ballots,” Torres said.
The Senate voted 47-0 to approve Substitute SB 5709 and now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
ARTICLES BY STAFF REPORT
Connell woman killed in Booker Road crash
CONNELL — Charges are pending against a Kennewick man following a collision about 12 miles south of Othello that killed a Connell woman and injured three other people Tuesday evening. A Washington State Patrol press memo said intoxicating substances were a factor. Jessica Zarate, 37, Connell, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near the intersection of SR 17 and South Booker Road, the WSP memo said. She was driving south on Booker Road approaching the intersection when her car was hit by a pickup driven by John Reiss, 62, Kennewick. Edgar Garcia Quirino, 28, Othello, was driving north on SR 17 and ran into Zarate's car, the WSP memo said. The crash occurred at about 6:40 p.m.
Wheeler Road closed because of traffic collision
UPDATE: The road was reopened as of noon, according to a GCSO media release. MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office has announced there is a road closure between Road 3-NE and Road S-NE. There was a serious traffic collision. GCSO is asking for drivers to avoid the area and find alternative routes. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Doors opening: The Currents will provide homeownership for more local workers
About 104 homes are planned at the former Atlas sawmill site
Teachers, nurses, firefighters and other workers who keep Coeur d’Alene running will soon have more places to buy a home in the community where they work. About 104 homes are being planned to be built at Atlas Waterfront, on roughly 10 acres that are part of a swath of land that was once home to the Atlas sawmill and is being redeveloped. Ignite CDA, the city of Coeur d’Alene’s urban renewal agency, is leading this effort.