Beginning at 9 am Wednesday, Nov. 9, elections officials will perform a hand count of approximately 600 ballots randomly selected as part of a manual comparison against machine results.

For this comparison, the race for United States Senator will be counted by hand, to check the accuracy of the ballot tabulation equipment. The selected ballots will be counted in the total returns on Election Day.

If a voter has not received their ballot, they should contact the Elections Office at (564) 397-2345 or elections@clark.wa.gov.

The Clark County Council this week voted unanimously to approve a resolution stating the county’s opposition to tolling on the Interstate-5 and Interstate-205 corridors in the Portland metro area. The Oregon Department of Transportation currently is proposing tolling for portions of both corridors. The resolution states that the council understands that tolls may be necessary for large infrastructure projects like the I-5 Bridge and that those tolls should be considered for the initial construction only and have a sunset.

Clark County Public Health has lifted the danger advisories at Lacamas and Round lakes in Camas. Water samples collected from both lakes show water quality has improved over the last two weeks and toxin levels are no longer elevated. Public Health removed the danger advisory at Vancouver Lake last week.

While harmful algal blooms have recently dissipated, Public Health encourages people who are recreating in local lakes to watch for floating scum and avoid direct contact with water in those areas. Harmful algal blooms can return if conditions change.

The Clark County Council is seeking two volunteers to serve on the county’s Planning Commission. The four-year terms for both positions begin Jan. 1, 2023, and end Dec. 31, 2026.

The Planning Commission is a seven-member committee that makes recommendations to the council on land-use planning, zoning and development in unincorporated Clark County. The commission also makes recommendations on issues such as growth management, roads, public facilities, development regulations and applicable county ordinances.

The board of the Clark County Public Facilities District will hold a public meeting 4-5 p.m. Monday, Monday Nov. 7, 2022.

The Clark County Elections Office will be open 8 am to 2 pm Saturday, Nov. 5 to assist voters with the Nov. 8 General and Special Election.

The Elections Office is located at 1408 Franklin St. in downtown Vancouver. Parking is available in the adjacent parking garage at 1300 Franklin St. On-street parking also is available nearby. Metered parking is free on the weekends.

“Staff will be available to update voter addresses, register voters, offer replacement ballots and other last minute assistance voters may need,” said County Elections Director Cathie Garber.
 

Clark County Public Health has lifted its advisory at Vancouver Lake. Water samples collected from the lake show water quality has improved over the last two weeks and toxin levels are no longer elevated.

While harmful algal blooms have recently dissipated, Public Health encourages people who are recreating in Vancouver Lake to watch for floating scum and avoid direct contact with water in those areas. Harmful algal blooms can return if conditions change.

Clark County recognizes that older adults are valuable contributors to the vitality of this community. To encourage and support older adults for their contributions to their communities, the Clark County Commission on Aging established a program to recognize older adults who go above and beyond in service.

The Clark County Council last week approved a resolution that supports a Criminal Justice Training Commission expansion to add a regional law enforcement training center in Clark County.

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office, like many agencies across Washington, is experiencing challenges with recruitment and retention of deputies due to many factors including an increase in retirements, and resignations and a decrease in applications for new hires.

Clark County Fire Marshal Dan Young announced today he is lifting the ban on outdoor debris burning and recreational fires in unincorporated Clark County effective at 12:01 am Tuesday, Oct. 25.

“With the recent rainfall and more rain in the forecast, we will be lifting the burn ban,” said Young.

Young urges residents to be vigilant when burning and always attend a permitted fire until it is completely extinguished and cold to the touch.