Get your ballots in
With Tuesday’s election approaching, the Clark County Elections Office is urging voters to turn their ballots in early in case of winter weather.
Mail-in ballots do not require a stamp this election. There are also seven drive-up ballot boxes located throughout the county, which are open 24 hours a day. Voters can also return ballots to the Elections Office at 1408 Franklin St., Vancouver from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.
“I urge voters to keep an eye on the weather forecast and for the possibility of Election Day-only ballot drop site locations, such as schools, being closed or opening late,” elections director Cathie Garber said in a news release.
Then, tonight, snowflakes will start sticking at lower levels. The special weather statement lists all major county communities as being affected: Battle Ground, Ridgefield and Washougal, among others. A 90 percent chance of snow is predicted tonight for Vancouver, according to the forecast.
“Heating of the day may allow general snow levels to rise a few hundred feet above sea level by early Saturday afternoon, but accumulating snow will still be possible down to the lowest elevations in any heavier showers,” forecasters said.
Wet and slushy roadways will freeze quickly Saturday night and may stay frozen well into Sunday.
Residents should prepare for prolonged commutes. A thin blanket of snow across the county earlier this week was enough to slow vehicles, close schools and cause dozens of crashes.
The Washington State Department of Transportation said in a blog post that it prioritizes the highest-traveled routes when it treats roads and when crews plow once the roads become treacherous. It warned that there is only so much it can do before and during major weather events.
“Roads will be slick, bridges, ramps, overpasses will be icy, collisions will increase and traffic will be challenging,” the blog reads.
Drivers should ensure their vehicles are prepared for winter conditions. WSDOT has a list for what that means; it includes tips such as “Slow Down. Seriously.” Other precautions include allowing extra time for any travel plans, canceling weekend travel plans, ensuring your vehicle is in good shape and giving road crews as much space as possible. More tips can be found at www.wsdot.com/winter/.
Officials urged people who crash or get stuck on the highways and freeways to not abandon their vehicles. It’s never safe to walk on a highway, they said. Wait for help, and if possible, pull to the shoulder of the road.
The National Weather Service’s forecast for Vancouver indicates a chance of snow through at least Monday.
Vancouver Department of Public Works spokeswoman Loretta Callahan said crews have been out de-icing all major routes in the city. Thursday’s clear skies offered an optimal window for the department to continue preparations for the days ahead, Callahan said.
Crews will be “refreshing” the de-icer in places such as hills and intersections, Callahan said. Residential and side streets do not get treated. All apparatus are loaded up and ready to handle a severe weather event, she said.
“We’re ready to go with 42 people, working around the clock on 12-hour shifts,” Callahan said.
Crews with Clark County Public Works have also been out preparing county roads for snow and ice, said Jeff Mize, public information officer with the department. In the crews are workers who have been through harsh conditions in the past.
“This isn’t their first rodeo,” Mize said. “They’ll be watching. We’re ready to respond.”
Correction: The above article incorrectly reported the name of the spokeswoman for Vancouver Department of Public Works. It’s Loretta Callahan.
