As Washington’s 2024 General Election draws near, more than 1,980,509 voters have already returned their ballots, and state and county election officials are busy preparing for the vote count. Here’s a look at what Washington voters and the public can expect on election night and in the days following as ballots are processed and results are certified.
Election Day Reminders
In-person registration is available at county elections offices and voting centers until 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5, although online and mailed registrations or updates were due by Oct. 28.
Voters have until 8 p.m. on Nov. 5 to place their ballot in one of more than 540 official drop boxes statewide. Drop box and voting center locations are listed on the Office of the Secretary of State’s Elections website or on VoteWA.gov, Washington’s online voter portal.
Once drop boxes close at 8 p.m. on election night, county election offices will begin tabulating ballots processed before Election Day. While counties may begin scanning ballots upon receipt, ballots cannot be tabulated until after 8 p.m. Election Day, according to RCW 29A.40.110. Initial results should appear on the state’s election results webpage — results.vote.wa.gov — by about 8:15-8:20 p.m. All reported results are unofficial until certification.
“The public can expect meaningful results on election night, but it’s important to remember that ballots arriving on or after Election Day still need to be processed and counted,” Assistant Secretary of State Kevin McMahan said. “Even if news outlets ‘call’ races or candidates declare victory, results are unofficial until they are certified by county canvassing boards and the Secretary of State. Our elections process ensures that every valid vote is counted accurately, underscoring the integrity of the election.”
On Election Day, elections staff are busy serving voters at voting centers and emptying drop boxes, so ballots received on Election Day, or after Election Day with a postmark of on or before Nov. 5, will be processed over subsequent days. To ensure accuracy, only ballots with verified signatures matching the voter’s registration record will be counted.
Following the initial release on election night, no further results will be reported until Nov. 6. Washington’s largest counties will post updated results daily, while counties with populations under 75,000 will report at least once every three days. Counties will announce their next upload date and time on the Voter Turnout tab at results.vote.wa.gov.
Continued Counting, Auditing, and Certification
Following Election Day, counties have 21 days to certify results. Within this certification period, ballots collected from drop boxes on election night or returned by mail with a valid postmark will be processed and counted per RCW 29A.40.110.
Within the certification period, all counties will conduct post-election audits to verify the accuracy of unofficial results. Counties can choose between a random batch audit or a risk-limiting audit (RLA) to fulfill this requirement.
In a random-batch audit, officials select specific batches of ballots and hand count them, comparing those hand-tallied results to the original machine-tabulated totals for the same batch. Alternatively, in an RLA, ballots are randomly selected and each ballot is compared to the voting system record until enough ballots have been reviewed to statistically confirm the results are correct. Washington’s first statewide RLA will take place Nov. 19.
Additionally, the Secretary of State will facilitate a statewide signature compliance check to verify that signature verification standards have been followed.
Election results will not be considered final until counties certify them on Nov. 26. The Secretary of State will complete certification of the 2024 General Election results by Dec. 5.
Ballot Curing Process
For ballots with a missing or mismatched signature, election officials will contact each voter by first-class mail, phone, email, or text message per RCW 29A.60.165 and they will have until county certification to correct any issues. Responding promptly to any notification from election officials helps ensure that every valid vote is counted.
Statewide Results
Each county will post a PDF copy of its results on its website and upload them to the state’s VoteWA portal, verifying that uploaded results match the official PDF copy. The Secretary of State’s Elections Division will conduct an additional review to ensure accuracy before posting statewide results. Due to this process, most counties will display results on their websites before the Office of the Secretary of State posts consolidated statewide results.
“Election officials are committed to providing the public with accurate and reliable results on election night, but accuracy can’t be rushed,” said McMahan. “Our processes are designed to ensure the integrity of the results displayed on the statewide results webpage. We thank voters for their patience and their participation in this historic election.”
Write-In Votes
Counties will report the total number of write-in votes in their tabulation reports. Election night results will include a single ‘write-in’ category. If the total write-in votes for an office exceed the apparent winner’s total, the write-in votes will be tallied during the 21-day certification period for each declared write-in candidate.
If a declared write-in candidate earns enough votes to win, their name will appear in the certified election results. If write-in totals are insufficient to impact the outcome, individual tallies will not be part of the official certification.
For more information or questions about ballot processing, voters can contact the Office of the Secretary of State’s Elections Division at (800) 448-4881 or elections@sos.wa.gov.
AG Ferguson, bipartisan coalition win $49 million and counting over generic drugs price-fixing conspiracy.
AGs assert it was one of the most damaging price-fixing schemes in U.S. history
OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today he and a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general have won more than $49 million so far in their case against major drug manufacturers that conspired to illegally raise prices on hundreds of generic drugs. The conspiracy caused consumers to pay more than 10 times as much for some drugs, ranging from antibiotic ointment to cancer treatments.
As a result of the multistate litigation, Apotex will pay $39.1 million and Heritage Pharmaceuticals will pay $10 million, make significant reforms and cooperate with the case against the remaining companies. Washington’s share of these and future resolutions will be determined when the litigation is resolved against all of the companies. Washingtonians who bought generic drugs during the conspiracy are eligible to get the amount they overpaid returned to them through a claims process. What individuals will receive will be determined once all the cases are complete.
“These companies conspired to line their pockets at the expense of Washingtonians,” Ferguson said. “Their conspiracy made it harder for people to afford medications they rely on for their health, and even their life. I will hold them accountable.”
Lawsuits in the U.S. District Court of the District of Connecticut remain active against 30 other corporations — including some of the nation’s largest generic drug manufacturers — as well as 25 company executives for violations of federal and state antitrust laws, including the Washington Consumer Protection Act. The attorneys general assert the conspiracy was one of the most egregious and damaging illegal price-fixing schemes in U.S. history.
Company executives and their sales representatives used code words to meet privately and plan how to artificially raise the prices on generic drugs to increase their profits. Some female sales representatives, for instance, would agree to meet at a “girls’ night out,” then plan how to collectively and artificially raise prices on generic drugs. Many of the companies raised prices by well over 1,000 percent at the height of the conspiracy. Company executives later destroyed text messages and documents after hearing about subpoenas from the investigation.
If you purchased generic prescription drugs between 2010 and 2018, you may be eligible for restitution from this resolution or future resolutions. To determine your eligibility, visit www.AGGenericDrugs.com, call 1-866-290-0182, or email info@AGGenericDrugs.com.
Bipartisan coalition of AGs takes on the generic drug industry
The attorneys general partnered on three lawsuits against generic drug manufacturers. One case focuses on Heritage Pharmaceuticals’ involvement with 17 other companies to fix the prices of 15 drugs. Another case focuses on 20 companies that fixed prices on more than 100 drugs. A third lawsuit involves 26 companies fixing the prices on 80 topical generic drugs used for dermatology. Each lawsuit addresses a different set of drugs and defendants.
The companies agreed to drive up the prices of over a hundred common drugs, from everyday antibiotics such as amoxicillin and penicillin to antidepressants, contraceptives, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, statins, ace inhibitors, beta blockers and more. These drugs are used to treat a wide range of diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, HIV, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure, arthritis, high cholesterol, acid reflux and more. A list of the drugs affected by the scheme is available here.
When a branded drug manufacturer loses exclusive patent rights to a drug, generic drugs can enter the market at a lower cost. While some price increases are normal, prices of hundreds of generic drugs skyrocketed over the course of the conspiracy. Generic drug manufacturers argued publicly that the increases were due to legitimate factors such as industry consolidation, federally mandated plant closures or elimination of unprofitable generic drug product lines.
Privately, however, the companies coordinated their prices at regular industry dinners, lunches, parties, golf outings, frequent telephone calls, emails and text messages. Throughout these communications, the conspirators used terms like "fair share," "playing nice in the sandbox," and "responsible competitor" to describe how they unlawfully discouraged competition, raised prices and enforced an ingrained culture of collusion within the industry. In addition to female sales representatives’ “girls’ night out,” male executives and employees often met under the guise of an “industry dinner.”
The conspirators usually chose to communicate in person or by phone to avoid creating a written record of their illegal conduct. When communications were written, the companies often took calculated steps to destroy evidence of those communications.
The states’ lawsuits seek restitution for consumers, damages for state agencies, maximum civil penalties and a court order to stop the illegal conduct and restore competition to the generic drug market.
Antitrust Assistant Attorneys General Paula Pera, Holly Williams and Travis Kennedy, Litigation Support and Administrative Manager Kimberly Hitchcock, and paralegals Michelle Oliver and Tracy Jacoby are handling the case.
IN OTHER STATE NEWS HEADLINES:
Cowlitz Indian Tribe and Washington Department of Commerce Sign Milestone Agreement Establishing Government-to-Government Relations./ Dept. of Commerce
New environmental education program builds connections for refugees and immigrants in Spokane./DOE
Keeping Chehalis basin communities safe and prosperous
$18.5 million grant to Hoquiam advances critical flood protection project./DOE
https://ecology.wa.gov/blog/october-2024/keeping-chehalis-basin-communities-safe-and-prosperous
WDFW seeks public comment on proposed land acquisitions
OLYMPIA –The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is inviting public comment on 20 proposed public land acquisitions that could contribute to fish and wildlife conservation and public access to Washington’s outdoors./WDFW
https://wdfw.wa.gov/newsroom/news-release/wdfw-seeks-public-comment-proposed-land-acquisitions-1
WDFW accepting applications for 2025-2027 wildlife diversity grant funding./WDFW
NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION:
Kilmer Announces More Than $12 Million in Federal Investments for the Port of Port Angeles and Northwest Seaport Alliance
TACOMA, WA – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded more than $12 million in funding through the EPA’s Clean Ports Program’s Zero-Emission Technology Deployment Competition to two ports in Washington’s Sixth District for the deployment of zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure, and climate and air quality planning.
Made possible by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act - the largest investment in combating climate change and promoting clean energy in history - the Port of Port Angeles will receive more than $9.4 million in deployment funding to support the Port’s Marine Terminal One project. The project aims to make shore power more accessible and eliminate emissions from a majority of the Port’s cargo operations. In May of this year, Rep. Kilmer wrote to EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan in support of the Port’s application for funding through the Clean Ports Program./from a press release issued 10.29.24
Senator Murray Applauds Historic Presidential Apology to Tribes for Federal Indian Boarding School Era, Affirms Commitment to Tribal Nations/press release issued 10.25.24
Spokane Airport Announces Nonstop Flights to Chicago, More Service to Dallas & Sacramento
Southwest Airlines will provide nonstop flights between Spokane and Chicago -- as well as daily roundtrips to Sacramento & new weekend routes to Dallas - starting in June 2025./press release issued 10.31.24
WORLD< NATION< BUSINESS
WORLD:
Security Council Extends UN Mission for Referendum in Western Sahara by One Year, Adopting Resolution 2756 (2024) by Vote of 12 in Favour, with 2 Abstentions./UN PRESS RELEASE
https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15882.doc.htm
Condemning Ballistic Missile Launch by Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Secretary-General Urges Diplomatic Engagement for Peace on Korean Peninsula./UN PRESS RELEASE
https://press.un.org/en/2024/sgsm22434.doc.htm
'It Is Important to Call a Genocide a Genocide,’ Consider Suspending Israel’s Credential as UN Member State, Experts Tell Palestinian Rights Committee/UN PRESS RELEASE
https://press.un.org/en/2024/gapal1473.doc.htm
Explanation of Vote Following the Adoption of a UN Security Council Resolution on the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara/USUN
United States Government’s Response to Israel’s Cabinet Decision on Extending the Indemnification for Correspondent Banking between Israel and the West Bank/US STATE DEPT.
NATION:
WHITE HOUSE COVERING FOR BIDEN'S GARBAGE REMARKS
Here are two statements on Biden's garbage remarks:
The orginal: And just the other day, a speaker at his rally called Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage.” Well, let me tell you something. I don’t — I — I don’t know the Puerto Rican that — that I know — or a Puerto Rico, where I’m fr- — in my home state of Delaware, they’re good, decent, honorable people. The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporter’s — his — his demonization of Latinos is unconscionable, and it’s un-American. It’s totally contrary to everything we’ve done, everything we’ve been.--
--President Biden.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/.../remarks-by-president.../
The Doctored WH version: And just the other day, a speaker at his rally called Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage.” Well, let me tell you something. I don’t — I — I don’t know the Puerto Rican that — that I know — or a Puerto Rico, where I’m fr- — in my home state of Delaware, they’re good, decent, honorable people. The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporter’s — his — his demonization of Latinos is unconscionable, and it’s un-American. It’s totally contrary to everything we’ve done, everything we’ve been.
As anyone can see the term Trump Supporter as garbage has been removed, they actually think were going to buy this?
related stories:
White House Altered 'Garbage' Transcript Despite Objections From Stenographers/PJ MEDIA
More national headlines:
North Korean Soldiers Likely to Enter Russian War on Ukraine./DOD
Justice Department Secures Settlement Agreement with Colorado to Ensure Opportunities for People with Physical Disabilities to Live at Home./DOJ
Secretary Cardona joins President Biden to Celebrate Executive Order Supporting Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Awards Nearly $19 Million to HSIs in New Grants./DEPT OF ED.
Onions served at McDonald's are likely source of E. coli outbreak./CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/a1030-onions-mcdonalds.html
BUSINESS:
Treasury Issues Final Rule Expanding CFIUS Coverage of Real Estate Transactions Around More Than 60 Military Installations./ US TREASURY
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2708
Biden-Harris Administration to End Online Junk Fees for Low-Income Families Paying for School Meals./USDA
Compound Ingredient Supplier Medisca Inc., to Pay $21.75M to Resolve Allegations of False and Inflated Average Wholesale Prices for Ingredients Used in Compounded Prescriptions./DOJ
401(k) limit increases to $23,500 for 2025, IRA limit remains $7,000./IRS
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/401k-limit-increases-to-23500-for-2025-ira-limit-remains-7000
Department of Labor completed impact inspections at 8 mines in 7 states with histories of repeated health, safety violations in September 2024./Dept. of Labor
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/msha/msha20241031
IN FOCUS: Inslee statement on ballot dropbox attack in Clark County.
"Gov. Jay Inslee released the following statement in response to an attack on a ballot dropbox in Vancouver, which resulted in hundreds of ballots being destroyed. The incident took place not long after a similar one at a ballot box in Portland, Ore.
“This was a violent attack on democracy, and we will do everything to keep our election system strong and secure in Washington. Our state and local election teams are fully dedicated to making sure every person’s vote is counted fairly and accurately. There will be 24-hour enhanced security around ballot drop-off locations.
“While law enforcement investigates this incident, we urge concerned Vancouver-area voters to check with the Clark County Auditor’s office or VoteWA.gov for accurate information about how to obtain a replacement ballot or track their ballot once it has been returned. There are multiple ways for voters to cast their ballot and make sure their voice is heard.”/Governor's Office
ref. https://governor.wa.gov/news/2024/inslee-statement-ballot-dropbox-attack-clark-county
Related news release: Statement Regarding Ballot Box Incident in Vancouver, WA
This morning, the Office of the Secretary of State received reports of a suspected incendiary device placed in a drop box in Vancouver, WA. Law enforcement agencies, including FBI and the Vancouver Police Department, promptly responded to the scene.
While an investigation is ongoing, we believe some ballots were damaged. We are confident the Clark County Auditor’s Office will work diligently to ensure that any impacted voters receive replacement ballots in time to participate in the 2024 general election.
“We take the safety of our election workers seriously and will not tolerate threats or acts of terrorists that seek to undermine the democratic process,” said Secretary of State Steve Hobbs. “I strongly denounce any acts of terror that aim to disrupt lawful and fair elections in Washington state. Despite this incident, I have complete confidence in our county elections official’s ability to keep Washington’s elections safe and secure for all voters.”
Voters are encouraged to check their ballot status online at www.votewa.gov to track its return status. If a returned ballot is not marked as “received,” voters can print a replacement ballot or visit their local elections department for a replacement.
ref. https://www.sos.wa.gov/about-office/news/2024/statement-regarding-ballot-box-incident-vancouver-wa
Related news release: Senator Murray Statement on Vancouver Ballot Box Arson.
“The destruction of ballots in any way, shape, or form runs totally counter to our fundamental values as Americans. Whoever is responsible must be held accountable, and I trust law enforcement to do its job here. We must make sure every citizen is able to participate in our democratic process.
“No voter should be deterred. Your vote is your voice in a democracy. I urge anyone who dropped off a ballot this weekend at the Fisher’s Landing Transit Center to contact the Clark County Elections Office and request a replacement immediately. No one’s voice should be silenced due to arson or political violence anywhere in America.
“Every elected official and leader has a responsibility to condemn any acts of political terror and violence—whether it’s threats against poll workers or the destruction of ballots.”/ release issued 10.28.24
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-statement-on-vancouver-ballot-box-arson/
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS:
Clallam County work session for 11.4.24
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11042024-1338
Clallam County meeting 11.5.24
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11052024-1339
City of Port Angeles Council meeting for 11.6.24
https://www.cityofpa.us/DocumentCenter/View/15859/CC-11062024-Agenda-Packet
Clallam County PUD meeting for 11.4.24
https://go.boarddocs.com/wa/clallampud/Board.nsf/Public
OMC Board meeting for 11.6.24
Jefferson County Commission meetings:
Jefferson County Commission meeting for 11.4.24
https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/c594ec80-9522-4952-b6b3-1d1fb08ad2a6
Port Townsend City Council meeting for 11.4.24
https://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=3569
Weekly devotional
BIBLE VERSE:
1 Peter 2:9 (New International Version)
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Weekly Bible Lesson:
Second Coming of Christ - Part 1
There is much speculation, and there are many false ideas about the return of Christ. Some say He will return to reign here on earth for a literal 1,000 years. --TFTW
https://truthfortheworld.org/second-coming-of-christ-part-1
Free bible studies (WBS)
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/
Learn English using the bible as text (WEI)
http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/
(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)
1233 E Front St, Port Angeles, WA 98362
Come and See
https://www.comeandseefoundation.org/
THIS WEEKS VIDEOS:
Why You Must Prepare for the Left’s CHAOS If Trump Wins.
We are less than a week from the 2024 election. In 2020 at this time, Glenn was busy warning about some of the dirty tricks the Left was “war gaming.” It involved everything from mass protests and street demonstrations to secession. Serious Democrats in positions of power and influence were strategizing behind the scenes. And in 2024, they’re doubling down. Glenn warns that we need to start preparing for what happens if Donald Trump wins on November 5 or if the race is close. Marc Elias, the Democrats’ main lawfare operative, has already declared that this election year is “the most litigious in American history.” Kamala Harris has bragged that they have “teams of lawyers” at the ready. Democratic congressmen have hinted they might not certify the election if Trump wins.
And the media is declaring that Trump might try to steal the election. Asra Nomani, a former Wall Street Journal reporter and “Woke Army” author, has been tracking the foot soldiers’ plans for the election and the weeks after. She says Trump MUST win by a landslide or the fight “will go from the courts to the streets.” She uncovered an orchestrated effort by progressive institutions and organizations that are getting support from “like-minded ideologues in China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea.” Their end goal? CHAOS. Glenn asks a final, chilling question: Are the Left’s election war games connected to a recent revision in DoD Directive 5240.01 that addresses the use of "lethal" military force against Americans? Whatever may happen, Glenn is sure of one thing: Americans MUST VOTE as soon as possible. We cannot stay silent.---Glenn Beck
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyR7q_FbcxA
Mark Levin Audio Rewind - 11/1/24
On Friday’s Mark Levin Show, with days to go until Election Day President Donald Trump calls in. This election will come down to the border and the economy, but the Democrats continue to lie about Trump’s positions. Trump is running to make America great again. He emphasizes the importance of voting early and outlines his vision for America's future, focusing on energy independence and border security. Also, Donald Trump never made a threat to shoot Liz Cheney but she is and always has been a drama queen, and now the media and the White House are uniting behind her to spread another Trump lie.
Kamala Harris is a pathological liar and endangers all of us with an open border and support for radical groups like Black Lives Matter. This is the last Friday before the biggest election of our lifetimes and the most important since the Civil War. Later, The private sector shrank and government jobs grew in October, which is exactly how Marxists like Biden and Kamala want it. The cumulative effect of the Biden/Harris economy is higher expenses while our wages stay the same or go down, and we cannot survive 4 more years of Bidenomics. Finally, Mark is joined by Loudoun County, VA, Sherriff Mike Chapman, to discuss recent attacks by MS-13 members and the danger Americans face as a result of the Biden/Harris border and immigration policies.--Mark Levin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEuWzZxhgEM
Gabbard: There is something ‘much darker’ going on here
FOX News Channel (FNC) is a 24-hour all-encompassing news service delivering breaking news as well as political and business news. The number one network in cable, FNC has been the most-watched television news channel for 18 consecutive years. According to a 2020 Brand Keys Consumer Loyalty Engagement Index report, FOX News is the top brand in the country for morning and evening news coverage. A 2019 Suffolk University poll named FOX News as the most trusted source for television news or commentary, while a 2019 Brand Keys Emotion Engagement Analysis survey found that FOX News was the most trusted cable news brand. A 2017 Gallup/Knight Foundation survey also found that among Americans who could name an objective news source, FOX News was the top-cited outlet. Owned by FOX Corporation, FNC is available in nearly 90 million homes and dominates the cable news landscape, routinely notching the top ten programs in the genre.---FOX NEWS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNi0DBhwLoM
LIVE: President Trump in Gastonia, NC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tV-w2nLocuM
Sunday Worship Service 10/27/2024- Four Lakes Church C.C
Other News Sources:
Garbage In/Garbage Out
Biden claimed Trump supporters are garbage. I suspect that will be more alienating to voters than a comedian telling a bad joke--The Patriot Post
https://patriotpost.us/opinion/111583-garbage-in-slash-garbage-out-2024-11-01
NIGHT OWL COMICS
https://pjrnightowlcomics.blogspot.com/
The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly Publication, every Saturday-- Publisher, Peter Ripley
