Proposition 1 defeat still clear, despite tiny gain in votes

From our news partner, The Seattle Times

Ballot counts Wednesday afternoon showed tiny percentage gains and an insurmountable deficit for Proposition 1, the King County measure to increase sales tax and car-tab fees, to fund buses and roads.

Already, transit supporters in Seattle are preparing a city-only initiative, to raise property taxes and pay for in-city bus service. County officials have warned of a 16 percent service cut to King County Metro Transit, without new sources of revenue.

See the full Seattle Times story here. 

Returns from the Tuesday election updated Thursday and Friday continued to show the County roads and transit package losing, as the ballot count neared its expected final total.

Wednesday returns, including all ballots from drop boxes and vans, had showed the proposition losing by a 54.51 percent to 45.49 percent margin.

Elections officials had counted ballots from 37.46 percent through Friday, meaning that they probably would reach the 38 percent final turnout that they had planned for.

Friday returns showed Proposition 1 failing by a 54.01 percent to 44.72 percent margin.

King County planned to release updated returns Monday afternoon and each weekday afternoon until final certification of results May 6.

Election Results: Special Election, April 22

King County Transportation District

Proposition 1 – Sales and use tax and vehicle fee for transportation improvements

Updated Election Results, Friday, 3:54:20 p.m. Ballots counted: 440,120 -- 37.46% of 1,174,773 registered King County voters

Yes -- 202,162 votes, 45.99%

No ---237,420 votes, 54.01%