Election day in Washington for I-1033, R-71, mayors, councils, school boards

Associated Press - November 3, 2009 10:15 AM ET

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - Shortly after 8 tonight we should start hearing results from today's election in Washington.

Secretary of State Sam Reed expects about half of the state's 3.5 million voters are casting ballots. About 98 percent of the vote is by mail. Ballots must be postmarked or dropped off today. Pierce County still has some polling places.

Tim Eyman's latest plan for smaller government is now in the hands of voters. Initiative 1033 would cap the amount of money going to state, county and city governments. Any tax income exceeding the revenue cap would be used to lower property taxes.

Referendum 71 on today's ballot asks Washington voters whether they approve or reject the "everything but marriage" law for same-sex couples. If it stands, the law gives domestic partners the same rights under state law as married couples.

Today's off-year election is mostly about mayors, city councils and school boards. Seattle will have a new mayor - either Mike McGinn or Joe Mallahan. King County will have a new executive - either Dow Constantine or Susan Hutchison.

Three state House races are on the ballot in Eastern Washington. Voters will fill vacant seats for districts that cover Walla Walla, Pullman and Sunnyside. The winners will serve out terms through next year.