UPDATE: November 5 at 7:05 pm.
YAKIMA COUNTY, Wash. – The latest election results in Yakima County reveal that Proposition 1 is still falling short after a second tally of voters from the November 4 election.
Proposition 1 aims to generate roughly $6 million to preserve police, fire response and parks. It would increase property tax by 50 cents for every thousand dollars of assessed property value. For example, a property valued around $356,000, which is near the median in town, would mean roughly $15 more in property taxes a month. The measure is currently failing with 51% of the vote.
Additionally, a non-binding advisory measure on the ballot for the November 2025 general election is passing with 56% of the vote. It asks voters if the county should maintain its cannabis ban in unincorporated areas of Yakima County.
In the Yakima County Coroner race, Marshall Slight is leading with 70% of the vote over Dan Williams. This position was left vacant following Jim Curtice’s resignation over charges including official misconduct, making false statements to a public servant and tampering with evidence.
In Mabton’s mayoral race, Martha Gonzalez is leading with a significant 83% of the vote over Mayor Rachel Ruelas. Ruelas faced a recall attempt this year, but the State Supreme Court dismissed the case due to state law prohibiting recall of a position up for election within six months of the general election.
In Sunnyside, Council member Theresa Hancock is trailing behind Leticia Zesati for City Council, District 1, with Zesati receiving 59% of the vote. Hancock was named in an investigative report concerning workplace claims and administrative issues involving former City Manager Mike Gonzalez amid his termination.
Meanwhile, Council member Vicky Frausto, who voiced her support for Gonzalez, is leading the race against Luis Ochoa for City Council, District 3 with 61% of the vote.
In Zillah, Scott Carmack holds a slight edge over Jacob Castillo in the mayoral race with 51% of the vote.
YAKIMA COUNTY, Wash. – Yakima County has released its initial results for the November 4 election, highlighting Proposition 1 and several key races.
Proposition 1 aims to generate roughly $6 million to preserve police, fire response and parks. It would increase property tax by 50 cents for every thousand dollars of assessed property value. For example, a property valued around $356,000, which is near the median in town, would mean roughly $15 more in property taxes a month. The measure is currently failing with 51% of the vote.
Additionally, a non-binding advisory measure on the ballot for the November 2025 general election, asking voters if the county should maintain its cannabis ban in unincorporated areas of Yakima County, is also passing with 57% of the vote.
In the Yakima County Coroner race, Marshall Slight is leading with 70% of the vote over Dan Williams. This position was left vacant following Jim Curtice’s resignation over charges including official misconduct, making false statements to a public servant and tampering with evidence.
In Mabton’s mayoral race, Martha Gonzalez is leading with a significant 84% of the vote over Mayor Rachel Ruelas. Ruelas faced a recall attempt this year, but the State Supreme Court dismissed the case due to state law prohibiting recall of a position up for election within six months of the general election.
In the City of Sunnyside, Council member Theresa Hancock is trailing behind Leticia Zesati for City Council, District 1. Zesati is receiving 60% of the vote. Hancock was named in an investigative report concerning workplace claims and administrative issues involving former City Manager Mike Gonzalez amid his termination.
Meanwhile, Council member Vicky Frausto, who voiced her support for Gonzalez, is leading the race against Luis Ochoa for City Council, District 3 with 61% of the vote.
In the city of Zillah, Scott Carmack holds a slight edge over Jacob Castillo in the mayoral race with 52% of the vote.
For complete results on all races, visit the Yakima County Elections website.
ORIGINAL COVERAGE: November 4 at 9:45 p.m.
