SEQUIM — The three Sequim School Board races set to appear on 2023 primary election ballots in Clallam County are in the spotlight at the People’s Forum, set for 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday.
The forum at the Sequim Prairie Grange, 290 Macleay Road is the first of several election forums by 101 Independents United.
“We hope to schedule several Peoples Forums this election season,” said organizer Donnie Hall.
Confirmed participants for Director-at-Large, Position No. 5 — also a two-year unexpired term — include challenger Hunter Gilliam and Michael Rocha, who was appointed to the school board in October 2022 following Jim Stoffer’s resignation. Sandra Kellso, who had filed to run for the position, advised forum organizers that she has withdrawn her candidacy.
Confirmed participants for Director-at-Large, Position No. 4, a two-year unexpired term, include challengers Dean Christian and Derek Huntington. Maren Halvorsen, who was appointed to the board in February 2022 — a move that ended a months-long vacancy stemming from director candidate Kristi Schmeck’s resignation despite being elected to the seat weeks prior — is not attending the forum, organizers said.
Confirmed participant for Director, District Position No. 1 — a four-year-term — includes incumbent Larry Jeffryes. Challenger Jim Shepherd is not available, forum organizers said, while John Graham has been contacted but has not responded.
Also attending is director Eric Pickens, who is running unopposed.
Because of the number of races and candidates, this People’s Forum will be structured in a meet-and-greet format in which voters can talk with each candidate individually.
Unlike last year’s forums that included Clallam County commissioner and Director of Community Development candidates, this event will not include a question-and-answer session with the general audience.
For more about 101 Independents United, visit 101independents.com or email to restoreclallam@gmail.com.
The 2023 primary election is Aug. 1. Ballots are expected to be mailed to voters starting Wednesday.
Primary election results will be posted shortly after 8 p.m., and subsequent daily results will be posted at about 4:30 p.m. at clallamcountywa.gov/162/Elections-Voter-Registration.
The cut-off for registering to vote by mail or online is July 24, and the cut-off for registering in person is Aug. 1.
The top two candidates in each race in the primary advance to the General Election set for Nov. 7.
For more information about local elections, visit clallamcountywa.gov/162/Elections-Voter-Registration, Vote411.org and voter.votewa.gov/WhereToVote.aspx.
