Less than 20 Percent of Ballots Returned for Local Issues So Far

Two issues affecting the Bonney Lake and/or Sumner area could be decided by less than 20 percent of registered voters if citizens don't startng turning in their ballots as the April 23 special election deadline quicky approaches.

As of Friday, April 19, Pierce County Elections reports that only 1,946 ballots of 10,539 registered voters (18.46 percent) have been returned from Bonney Lake city residents; at the same time, only 8,293 ballots have been returned of the 48,427 registered voters (17.12 percent) in the East Pierce Fire and Rescue service area.

Voters in the city of Bonney Lake are deciding whether or not a metropolitan park district, a new taxing authority, should be formed so dedicated funding can be applied to the city's parks plan. Click here for more information.

In Bonney Lake, Sumner and surrounding areas that fall under the service of Pierce County Fire Protection District No. 22 (also known as East Pierce Fire and Rescue) voters to consider annexing the city of Milton into the district. Click here for more details.

Both issues require a simple majority for passage. The fire district issue also requires the city of Milton to have a simple majority. As of Friday, 22.39 percent of Milton's ballots had been returned.

These two issues represent two of three questions on the Pierce County ballot for April 2013; Orting Valley Fire and Rescue also has an excess M&O levy question for its voters. According to a press release from Pierce County on Friday, the expected turnout for this April 2013 election is about 36 percent of total registered voters.

If you haven't done so already, there are a few ways to return your completed ballot:

• By mail: Ballots require first class postage and have to be postmarked by April 23
• Drop it off: Ballots can be dropped off anytime until 8 p.m. on April 23
  • At a drop box (Click for more locations):
    • Bonney Lake: Bonney Lake South Park and Ride (Sky Island Dr. E and 184th Ave E)
    • Sumner: Sumner Library (1116 Fryar Avenue)
  • At a voting center
    • Puyallup Library: 324 S. Meridian, Puyallup (Open April 23 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
    • Pierce County Election Center: 2501 S. 35th St., Suite C, Tacoma (Open April 23 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.)