Prepping for August 7

Those looking to hear from candidates in state and local elections will have three chances this week and next.

The League of Women Voters of Clark County announced last week three forums to be hosted around the county in preparation for the August 7 primary election. 

Each candidate will be asked questions from a designated moderator, with candidates not aware of what they will be asked until a half-hour before the event begins.

Each of the races has three or more candidates for the respective seat, hence each going to a top-two primary in August before the general election in November. 

The League of Women Voters of Clark County is a nonpartisan group that seeks to help educate voters and foster more participation. Voters can submit questions to moderators at lwvclarkcounty@gmail.com

3rd Congressional District 

6 p.m., July 12 at Gaiser Hall, Clark College, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver

The 3rd Congressional District seat has the most candidates at seven, including incumbent Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground. Fellow Republicans Michael Cortney and Earl Bowerman look to unseat the representative along with Democrats Martin Hash, David McDevitt, Carolyn Long and Dorothy Gasque.

Clark County Council Chair, Clark Public Utility District Position 1 and 17th Legislative District Representative Position 1    

3 p.m., July 14 at Clark Regional Wastewater District, 8000 NE 52nd Court, Vancouver 

The Clark County Council Chair race features four candidates including incumbent Marc Boldt, no party preference. Fellow councilor Eileen Quiring, a Republican, is looking to take over as council chair as are Democrats Eric Holt and Christy Stanley.

Also covered in the July 14 panel is the race for representative position 1 in the 17th Legislative District with candidates Vicki Kraft, a Republican and the incumbent, and Democratic Tanisha Harris. 

Gunning for the open utilities district seat is incumbent Jim Malinowski alongside challengers Judy Chipman and Sherry Erickson.

Clark County Assessor, Clark County

 Council Position 1

6 p.m. July 19 at Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St., Vancouver

This panel will feature the second-biggest spread of candidates, as five vie for Vancouver City Council Position 1. Incumbent Laurie Lebowsky is running, having been appointed to the position after 2017’s election winner, Scott Campbell, died prior to the vote. Lebowsky faces off against Maureen McGoldrick, who lost against Campbell, as well as Adam Shetler, Mary Elkin and Sarah Fox.

Also represented at the July 19 panel will be those looking to fill the District 1 seat of Clark County Council. Incumbent Jeanne Stewart, a Republican, is running to retain her seat against challengers Jim Moeller and Temple Lentz, both Democrats, and Veny Razumovski, running for the CascadiaNow Party. 

Finally, the Clark County Assessor’s race will round out the day. Incumbent Peter Van Nortwick, a Republican, faces fellow Republican challenger Darren Wertz as well as Norbert Schlecht, no party preference.