Spokane County Election Workers Process Ballots Through November 7
Spokane County election workers are counting ballots with final results expected by November 24 and voter turnout estimated between 60% and 65%.
Approximately 140 personnel in Spokane County are sorting and verifying ballots in a process expected to continue through Friday, November 7, 2026. Final results for the election are not anticipated until November 24.
Spokane County Auditor Vicky Dalton is overseeing the operation, emphasizing a methodical approach to avoid errors. Dalton stated that "there’s no shortcuts" and that the process must be "very methodical, very consistent and very precise" because rushing the count could lead to mistakes.
Officials estimate voter turnout will reach between 60% and 65% as mail-in ballots continue to arrive. Several races and ballot measures remain close. Under state law, automatic recounts are triggered if candidates are separated by fewer than 2,000 votes and less than 0.5%. While levies and initiatives are exempt from automatic recounts, any race or measure may be subject to a requested recount if the requester pays the associated costs, which can reach tens of thousands of dollars.
