The Columbian

Clark County Politics

An election worker goes over a ranked choice voting explanation card with a voter before she casts her vote during early voting in the primary election in June 2021 in New York.

Clark County voters to have say on ranked-choice voting

August 21, 2022, 6:04am Clark County News

When voters open their ballots for the November general election, they will face no less than six charter amendment measures. The measures range from changing the initiative and referendum process to adding a new section to the charter on county council vacancies. The measure likely to be of most interest… Read story

Mike Reardon, executive director of Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington, left, welcomes U.S. Sen. Patty Murray before giving her a tour of the facility Wednesday morning. Sen. Murray spoke with local leaders and health care advocates about how the Inflation Reduction Act will allow Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug costs.

Sen. Patty Murray reports progress on drug prices in Vancouver visit

August 18, 2022, 6:00am Clark County Health Subscriber Exclusive

It’s hard to estimate how much Lisa Bayautet spent out-of-pocket for a year’s worth of medication to treat her psoriatic arthritis. Read story

U.S. Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray talk with nLight employees with CEO Scott Keeney, left, on Wednesday in a clean room at nLight in Camas. Senators Cantwell and Murray were in town to tout the major opportunities coming to Southwest Washington in the recently passed $250 billion CHIPS and Science Act.

Senators Murray, Cantwell tout benefits of CHIPS Act during tour of Camas-based nLIGHT

August 17, 2022, 6:51pm Business

Developing a robust workforce through science, technology, engineering and math education is key to the expansion of local technology companies. Read story

Clark County Councilors Gary Medvigy, left, and Richard Rylander work during a meeting at the Clark County Public Service Center on May 3.

Clark Council OKs request for COVID funds to expand broadband to rural residents

August 17, 2022, 6:01pm Clark County News

Residents near Battle Ground Lake lacking high-speed internet access could benefit from a recently approved request for $4.6 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to expand broadband service. The project would add 31 miles of new high-speed fiber-optic broadband and provide internet access to 503 households. Read story

A voter drops off his ballot at a Clark County ballot drop box in the Vancouver Mall parking lot Nov. 3, 2020.

Which Washington counties saw highest voter turnout in 2022 primary?

August 15, 2022, 7:41am Clark County Politics

About 40 percent of 4.8 million registered voters in Washington participated in the Aug. 2 midterm primary election, with the highest turnouts recorded in east and far west parts of the state. Read story

FILE - U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Wash., speaks at a Memorial Day observance event on May 30, 2022, in Vancouver, Wash. Beutler saw her advantage against her opponent Rep. Dan Newhouse endorsed by former President Donald Trump shrink in recent vote updates. Both drew interparty challenges due to their vote to impeach Trump following the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Jaime Herrera Beutler is ousted from Congress for her Jan. 6 impeachment vote. Her would-be replacement embraces Trump’s election lies

August 14, 2022, 6:00am Clark County Politics

Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler has cast thousands of votes on hundreds of topics over the course of her 12-year congressional career, almost always siding loyally with fellow Republicans. Read story

Clark County Councilors Gary Medvigy, left, and Richard Rylander chat as they take a seat before Rylander's first council meeting May 3.

Clark County Council weighs how to use $44.6M remaining from COVID stimulus

August 13, 2022, 6:03am Clark County News

New funding requests for American Rescue Plan Act funds sitting in the county coffers are scheduled for a hearing before the Clark County Council on Aug. 16. Among the requests are $1 million for small-business grants, $1 million for nonprofit grants and $2.5 million for a new North Country EMS… Read story

Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez will face Republican Joe Kent in the general election for the 3rd District congressional seat currently held by Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler.

Perez, Kent sharpen positions in 3rd District race

August 11, 2022, 6:03am Clark County News

The top two candidates for the 3rd Congressional District are sharpening their attacks and honing their strategies for reaching voters who would have otherwise supported Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler — or might just stay home. Read story

A Public Works open house showcased changes proposed for the Northeast 179th Street and Northeast 50th Avenue intersection. The intersection is part of a larger project planned for 179th Street to accommodate increased growth and traffic in the area.

Clark County Public Works meeting set for 179th Street project

August 10, 2022, 6:02am Clark County News

Clark County Public Works is hosting an open house on the planned 179th Street corridor road improvements at 6 p.m. Thursday. County residents can attend the open house virtually or in person at 1300 Franklin St. in Vancouver. The meeting will be on the sixth floor of the Public Service… Read story

Clark County Canvassing Board to examine ballots from Aug. 2 election

August 10, 2022, 6:01am Clark County News

The Clark County Canvassing Board will meet at 2 p.m. Friday to examine ballot returns from the Aug. 2 primary and special election. The board will examine ballots, determine the status of voter intent issues and challenged ballots, and perform other canvassing duties. Read story