Three legislative races appear headed for recounts

The final outcome of three tight legislative races may not be known until after Thanksgiving, as they appear headed for recounts.

The closest contest is in Pierce County's 25th District, where Democratic incumbent state Rep. Dawn Morrell trailed Republican challenger Hans Zeiger by 47 votes as of Tuesday.

That's close enough to require a hand recount, according to David Ammons, spokesman for Secretary of State Sam Reed. A hand recount is required for legislative races if the margin between candidates is less than 150 votes and one-quarter of 1 percent of the total votes cast in the race.

Two other races look destined for machine recounts, which are required if the races are within half a percentage point.

In King County's 41st District (South Bellevue, Newcastle and Mercer Island area) Republican challenger Steve Litzow is just 194 votes up on incumbent Democratic state Sen. Randy Gordon.

And in Whatcom County's 42nd District, Democratic state Rep. Kelli Linville — chairwoman of the powerful House budget-writing committee — trails Republican challenger Vincent Buys by 154 votes.

Linville conceded to Buys, but the margin in the race is still close enough to trigger an automatic recount.

Republicans gained several seats in the Legislature this year, but regardless of the outcome of these recounts, Democrats will retain control of the state House and Senate.

Voter turnout

tops 71 percent

The November election drew a near-record turnout for a midterm, with 71.18 percent of Washington's 3.6 million registered voters casting ballots, says Secretary of State Sam Reed's office.

That's the highest midterm election turnout since 1970, when it reached 71.85 percent, according to Reed's office. Turnout in the last midterm (2006) was 64.55 percent.

Reed, who had predicted 66 percent turnout, attributed the high voter interest to high-stakes races for the U.S. Senate, some U.S. House seats, and several controversial initiatives.

The state's switch to a vote-by-mail system also played a part, according to Reed's office.

To reach a Seattle Times political editor, call 206-464-2204.