Kitsap County Elections officials say results are taking longer this year to tabulate because of a new state law.

The law deals with signature verification that requires placing a higher priority on getting that part done faster. As a result, election workers who normally would be working on ballot tabulation instead were validating signatures. Getting that done sooner will give voters more time to rectify challenges.

“We saw in our county and have heard from other counties that more voters voted later in the process than in past elections,” the county Election website says. “We believe, based on conversations we’ve heard, that the long ballot played a significant role in voters waiting a little longer to return their ballots.”

Meanwhile, little changed after the most recent count Aug. 9.

A $10 million bond to widen Bainbridge’s Ray Williamson Pool at the Aquatic Center two lanes and deepen the entire swimming structure was treading water. Voting yes were 53% (5,737) while 47% (5,162) opposed it. As a bond measure, it requires a 60% majority.

The tax would have been about 6 cents per $1,000 valuation. Those in favor said it was needed to update an old pool, get it ready for the future and allow it to be used more. Those against said the updates would be paid for even without bond passage.

The other county measures are levies so only require 50% approval.

As for local candidates, for Kitsap County commissioner District 2, two Republicans lead the way with Sean Murphy getting 25% (6,079) of the vote and Oran Root close behind at 23% (5,641) with Democrats Jeff Coughlin and Stacey Smith both close behind.

For Kitsap Public Utility District, incumbent Heather Pauley gathered 49% (10,776) of the vote, and Richard Tift was at 26% (5,622).

For state lawmakers representing the county or parts of it, incumbent Drew Hanson, D, had 68% of the vote (31,349) and Lance Byrd, R, 29% (13,253) for the Senate spot for Legislative District 23. For state representative Position 1 in that district incumbent Tarra Simmons, D, garnered 61% (28,441) of the vote, while Republican Kurt Robertson had 30% (14,167). For Position 2, Greg Nance, D, who was appointed last year, received 46% (21,488) of the vote while Jamie Miles, R, had 29% (13,579).

For District 26, state rep. Position 1, Jesse L. Young, R, had 34% (16,807), while Adison Richards, D, had 50% (24,635). For Position 2, incumbent Michelle Caldier, R, came up with 34% of the vote (16,612), while Tiffiny Mitchell, D, received 30% (14,627).

In District 35, state rep. Position 2, incumbent Travis Couture, R, picked up 47% of the vote (20,812), while James DeHart, D, was at 43% (18,895).

In Poulsbo, an emergency medical services property tax was winning easily 74% to 26% (6,638 to 2,362). It allows a tax of 50 cents per $1,000 valuation. Those in favor said the levy just continues funding. There was no statement against.

In North Kitsap, an EMS levy also was winning easily 76% to 24% (5,655 to 1,800). It will allow 50 cents in tax per every $1,000 in property valuation. Those in favor said passage was vital to continue service, and it’s the same levy voters have passed for 40 years. There was no statement against.

In Bremerton, an emergency services levy also was passing 65% to 35% (5,442 to 2,924). It allows the city to tax property owners 50 cents per $1,000 valuation. Supporters say it is just the continuation of a tax. Foes say the levy cost actually has dropped to 37 cents per $1,000 due to increased valuation, so the levy would really be a 35% hike. And while the city has said it needs more personnel it does not commit to that in the levy. It also says new residential growth does not have to pay the tax, which is unfair. Those in favor counter that the city will fund new positions, along with a fourth response unit.

In Central Kitsap, a levy to fund fire protection and emergency medical services also was passing 57% to 43% (11,714 to 8,801). It would allow taxation at $1.50 per $1,000 valuation. Those in favor said the levy is the same one approved previously and calls for service there have increased 39%. Renewal would cost the owner of a $500,000 home just $80 more a year. There was no argument against.

Votes will continue to be counted over the next few weeks. About 82,445 votes were tallied, which is a 44% turnout, but about 2,500 more votes remain to be counted as mail-in ballots postmarked Aug. 6 continue to come in over the next several days.

Statewide voter turnout so far is 38% with about 124,850 ballots left to be counted. About $1.84 million already have been counted.

Statewide Primary results

Top 2 advance to general election Nov. 5.

Federal

US senator: Incumbent Maria Cantwell, D, 58% (1,036,140); Dr. Raul Garcia, R, 22% (396,649)

US representative District 6: Emily Randall, D, 35% (73,561); Drew MacEwen, R, 30% (64,294)

Governor: Bob Ferguson, D, 45% (822,186); Dave Reichert, R, 28% (501,189)

Lt. governor: Incumbent Denny Heck, D, 49% (862,837); Dan Matthews, R, 23% (402,368)

Secretary of state: Incumbent Steve Hobbs, D, 49% (866,450); Dale Whitaker, R, 37% (651,796)

Treasurer: Incumbent Mike Pellicciotti, D, 59% (1,040,258); Sharon Hanek, R, 41% (733,918)

Auditor: Incumbent Pat McCarthy, D, 59% (1,047,131); Matt Hawkins, R, 41% (723,462)

Attorney General: Pete Serrano, R, 42% (749,443); Nick Brown, D, 35% (634,140)

Public Lands commissioner: Jaime Herrera Beutler, R, 22% (387,245); Dave Upthegrove, D, 21% (366,528)

State schools chief: Incumbent Chris Reykdal, 39% (652,404); David Olson, 31% (515,230)

Insurance commissioner: Patty Kuderer, D, 45% (786,011); Phil Fortunato, R, 28% (491,230)

Supreme Court justice Position 2: Sal Mungia, 43% (707,002); Dave Larson 37% (594,415)

Simmons

Nance

Hansen