Harborview Bond Measure Comfortably Leads In Early Results

SEATTLE, WA — A $1.7 billion bond measure to fund improvements at Harborview Medical Center had strong support from King County voters in the first ballot drop, with 77.51 percent approval recorded on election night. The measure needs 60 percent approval to pass.

The proposition would allow funding for new construction and renovation projects at Harborview, the region's only Level 1 trauma center. Its approval would allow the county to issue general obligation bonds and raise annual property taxes on the median homeowner by an estimated $75 to repay them.

The Stranger reports that money would help pay for a new 10-story tower, adding 360 single-bed rooms to the Harborview campus, and create a new behavioral health center. According to the Seattle Times, the hospital currently has 413 beds, but just 40 that are in single-occupancy rooms.

King County Executive Dow Constantine released a statement Tuesday night, thanking voters for the strong signal of support.

"While there are still many votes to be counted, I thank the voters of King County for their support for Harborview Medical Center. These investments will ensure that our region continues to be the best place in the country to receive emergency medical care, and needed seismic upgrades will protect the lives of patients, employees, and visitors to Harborview. Besides helping people with behavioral health needs and better preparing the region to fight pandemics, the measure creates thousands of family-wage construction jobs at a time when our region needs them the most.

"Every generation has stepped up to support Harborview Medical Center. I am proud that this generation is no different."

According to the latest update from King County Elections, it received more than 1.2 million ballots by Election Day, reflecting 85 percent turnout among registered voters. Tuesday night's election results included 1,033,486 ballots. Results and turnout figures will continue to shift in the days ahead as more votes are counted. The county typically updates its data each day at 4 p.m. until the tally is complete. The final results will be certified by Tuesday, Nov. 24.

View the latest election results statewide and in King County:

• Statewide results
• King County results
• King County ballot statistics

Related: All King County Charter Amendments Lead In Early Results