The general election results for San Juan County are in. A total of 10,601 ballots were counted; a remaining 2,100 will be tallied on Nov. 12 at 5 p.m. Voter turnout was 70.1 percent.

An overwhelming number of voters approved the Real Estate Excise Tax that funds the Land Bank: 67.34 percent voted yes while 32.66 voted no.

For San Juan County Council district 1, Kari McVeigh received 63.22 percent of the vote while Stephanie O’Day came in at 36.37 percent. For the district 2 position, Justin Paulsen earned 52.95 percent of the vote while Rick Hughes came in at 46.73 percent.

“I am humbled and honored by the amazing support I’ve received these past nine months and promise to apply my skills, my energy and my heart to serving all San Juan County people equitably,” McVeigh said. “I am grateful to my stellar team and the positive, grassroots campaign we ran through thick and thin. And I look forward to working with all islanders – from the towns to the shores to the farms – as we work together to secure the islands’ future. Thank you so much for your amazing work throughout this campaign season!”

Below is a portion of a lengthy statement that Paulsen released.

”I would like to thank each and every resident who was part of the many forums, discussions, and conversations that occurred throughout this process. It has been an incredible opportunity for me to get to meet many of you, and hopefully it is an introduction that will lead to future conversations about how best to serve the county going forward.”

The fire levy on San Juan Island was approved at 70.38 percent and the Lopez Solid Waste levy was approved at 79.5 percent. The Town of Friday Harbor tax for transportation improvements was approved at 69.26 percent.

To see the full results, including how San Juan County residents voted on state and federal candidates and measures, visit https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20241105/sanjuan/.