Friday, May 01, 2026
70.0°F

Ballots continue to roll in for Grant, Adams counties

NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 6 months AGO
by NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer | October 31, 2024 12:45 AM

MOSES LAKE — There is less than a week left to turn in ballots as the 2024 general election approaches. 


As of Monday, there were 49,867 registered voters in Grant County, of whom 9,742 had already turned in their ballot, according to the Washington Secretary of State. This equates to around 19.54% of ballots returned. Of the returned ballots, all but 203 of them were accepted without challenge.  


In Adams County, there are 8,261 registered voters with 2,181 returned ballots as of Monday, according to the Secretary of State. This equates to around 26.4% of ballots returned. Of the ballots turned in, 52 of them were challenged. 


According to Grant County Elections Coordinator Aleanah Lopez, ballots are challenged because the signature doesn’t match the signature on file, or the ballot was unsigned. Lopez said that the elections office reaches out to voters via phone call, text message or email to notify them and give them an opportunity to fix their ballot.  


Voters have until Nov. 25 to resolve the issue, Lopez said. 


Editor's Note: While the Columbia Basin Herald does not endorse any candidate or favor any initiative, we do encourage all readers to vote if they are legally registered to do so.


      
      



ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON

‘Show up’
May 1, 2026 2 a.m.

‘Show up’

Local leaders say community voices shape schools, cities and trust

WARDEN — When Warden Mayor Rosaelia Martinez looked out over the audience at the April 28 Warden City Council meeting, she didn’t see empty seats. She saw neighbors. “First of all, before we start, I want to say thank you to all those that came to the meeting tonight,” Martinez said. “I know we are all busy people, and I really appreciate your input. Your time is valuable and we appreciate you being here.” That message – that showing up matters – was echoed by city and school leaders across the Columbia Basin, many of whom say public participation directly shapes decision-making, transparency and long‑term planning.

Warden council bans kratom, considers parking regulations
April 29, 2026 5:46 p.m.

Warden council bans kratom, considers parking regulations

WARDEN — Warden City Council passed a kratom ban and special event permit Tuesday night. It also discussed its comprehensive plan update and an ordinance for parking regulations. Around 17 residents were in attendance, a fairly large showing for a Warden council meeting. “First of all, before we start, I want to say thank you to all those that came to the meeting tonight,” Mayor Rosaelia Martinez said. “I know we are all busy people, and I really appreciate your input because it really validates what a lot of people are hoping to achieve in the city. Thank you. Your time is valuable and we appreciate you being here.”

Columbia Basin Hospital nominates Allred for board
April 29, 2026 5:30 p.m.

Columbia Basin Hospital nominates Allred for board

EPHRATA — The Columbia Basin Hospital received one application for a vacant seat on the Board of Commissioners for Public Hospital District No. 3. Dr. Lowell Allred has applied for the role. He was officially nominated for the role at the April 28 board of commissioners meeting. “Public notice of this nomination shall occur between April 29 and May 14, to allow time for registered voters residing in the hospital district to also submit nominees for the vacant position,” said Chief Executive Officer Rosalinda Kibby.