Town explains general election protocols

During the Aug. 18 session of Cathlamet Town Council, Tyson Clark was sworn in as a council member for Position Nos. 4, which was vacated on Aug. 5 with the resignation of former Councilmember Jeanne Hendrickson. Earlier this year, former Councilmember Kermit Chamberlin resigned on April 21. Chamberlin’s Position Nos. 2 was filled when Council selected Crystal Baker during its June 2 session. With elections coming up in November, three council positions, Nos.’s 2, 4, and 5, will be on the ballot. Position Nos. 5, which is currently held by Councilmember Laurel Waller, will be open as a result of Waller running for mayor.

“There will still be an election for Positions 2, 4, and 5,” said Town Clerk/Treasurer Sarah Clark in an email to The Eagle. “Unless a write-in candidate receives the majority of votes, Crystal Baker and Mike Severson will be elected to Positions 2 and 5 respectively, as they are both running unopposed for those positions.”

According to Sarah Clark, since she missed the deadline to have her name removed, candidate Julia McCoy will remain on the ballot alongside Tyson Clark for Position 4. However, McCoy has publicly endorsed Tyson Clark and has stated “she is not interested in serving.” Though McCoy feels this way, “it is still entirely possible for her to be elected,” according to Sarah Clark. “If that occurs and she declines to accept the position, she would need to formally vacate it, and the Council would be responsible for appointing a replacement,” said Sarah Clark. “At that point, the Council could choose to appoint Tyson Clark again, but there is no obligation to do so.”

According to Sarah Clark, should Tyson Clark win the election for Position Nos. 4 in November, he would be sworn in for the full term. However, if McCoy wins and decides to accept the position, “she would assume the unexpired term to which Tyson Clark was appointed effective Dec. 1.”

Sarah Clark also noted in an email to The Eagle “individuals could still obtain votes via write-in.” Since both Crystal Baker and Mike Severson are both running unopposed for Positions Nos. 2 and 5 respectively, the two will be elected to the positions “unless a write-in candidate receives the majority of votes,” according to Sarah Clark.

For the position of mayor, Waller will be opposed by Nicholas Sevald, who has served as a volunteer firefighter with the Town since 2019. The general election will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025.