Staff report
Columbia Gorge News
In the April 10 edition, Columbia Gorge News incorrectly stated Wasco County sheriff, treasurer and clerk positions, and the Hood River County sheriff, will be on the May 21 Oregon Primary ballot. They will not appear in May, but in November.
Also in the April 10 edition, Columbia Gorge News incorrectly stated county commissioner and Public Utility District 1 candidates would be on the Klickitat County April 23 Special Election; those races will not occur until August and/or November. Only one bond measure will appear on the ballot: A Bickleton School District replacement, maintenance and operation levy.
We regret the errors.
THE GORGE — Oregon’s 2024 Primary Election Day is May 21. Ballots will be mailed May 1. Military and oversees voter ballots were mailed April 5; out of state ballots will be mailed April 22.
The last day to register to vote or update party affiliation is April 30. Ballots deposited in an official drop box must be received by 8 p.m. on election day. Ballots that are mailed must be postmarked before 8 p.m. on election day.
These are all non-partisan positions.
Wasco County May 21 Primary
Wasco County Assessor — Jill F. Amery (uncontested). Amery is currently assessor and tax collector for Wasco County.
Wasco County Commissioner Position 2 — There are five candidates running for this position:
• Dan Richardson
• Jeffrey L. Justesen
• Brian Lauterbach
• Darcy Long
• John E. McElheran
Wasco County ballot measure
• Five-year local option tax levy for health clinic general operations
Description: Shall the White River Health District impose $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value for general operations for five years beginning 2024-2025?
Hood River County May 21 Primary
Hood River County Commissioners Chair — Jennifer Euwer
Hood River County Commissioners District 2 — Arthur Babitz
Hood River County Commissioners District 4 — There are three candidates running for this position:
• Brian Merz
• Chad Muenzer
• Albert Nance
Hood River County ballot measures
• West Side Rural Fire Protection District
Local option levy to improve fire and emergency medical services
Description: Shall WSRFPD improve fire and emergency medical services by levying $0.97 per $1,000 of assessed value for five years, beginning 2025-26. This measure may cause property taxes to increase by more than 3%.
• Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District no. 1
Five-year operating levy for park and recreation services.
Description: Shall the District impose $0.43 per $1,000 of assessed value for five years for operations starting in 2024-25? This measure may cause property taxes to increase more than 3%.
• Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District no. 2
Bond to replace aquatic center; fund parks and trails.
Description: Shall the District issue bonds not to exceed $72,250,000 to provide parks, trails and a community center with new pool? If the bonds are approved, they will be payable from taxes on property or property ownership that are not subject to the limits of sections 11 and 11b, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution.
Please note: Donald Trump will not appear in the Oregon Voters’ Pamphlet for this Primary election because his campaign declined to provide a statement for the pamphlet. No reason was given as to why. Trump will appear on ballots mailed to Republican voters.
Klickitat County April 23 Special Election
April 5 was the deadline for ballots to be mailed out by county election offices. Ballots for eligible military and overseas voters are mailed 30 days prior.
April 15 is the deadline to register or update your address online. You may also register and vote in person at a county voting center through election day.
For those who are registered to vote, your ballot will be mailed automatically; confirm or update voter registration information today at VoteWA.gov.
Only one measure will appear on the Klickitat County April 23 Special Election ballot: A replacement, maintenance and operation levy for Bickleton School District.
County commissioners are not up for election until August. Public Utility District (PUD) candidates will only appear on the August ballot if there are at least three contestants running; otherwise, that race will be held in November.
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