It’s Election Day; you have until 8 p.m. to get those ballots returned. As a reminder, this is a special election, and the only people who received ballots in Cowlitz County are those in the Castle Rock School District.

The only item on the ballot is the Castle Rock School District Educational Program and Operations Replacement Levy. This is simply replacing the current expiring levy. If passed, the approximate levy rate will be $1.72 per $1,000 of assessed property value in 2026, $1.75 in 2027, and $1.79 in 2028.

In Lewis County, the Winlock School District also has its Educational Program and Operations Replacement Levy on the ballot.

You can return your ballot by mail, via drop box, or in person at the county elections office. If you have yet to register to vote, you can still do so in person at your county elections office.