Yakima County's last ballots may be key to Mabton mayoral race decision

YAKIMA COUNTY, Wash. – The second spot in Mabton’s mayoral race may hinge on the remaining ballots still to count in Yakima County.

According to the Yakima County Auditor’s Office, there are an estimated 13 ballots left for the entire county and only eight votes separate the second leading vote-getter, Rachel Ruelas, and the third leading vote-getter, Laura Vazquez.

The top two candidates with the most votes advance to the general election. Martha Gonzalez will move on with 53% of the vote when the election is certified on August 19.

Ruelas, faced a recall attempt this year, but the State Supreme Court dismissed the case, citing state law that prohibits recall of a position that is up for election within six months of the general election.