Lake Chelan Reclamation District announces Dec. 9 election for at-large director

MANSON — The Lake Chelan Reclamation District will hold an election on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, to fill one at-large seat on the district’s board of directors. Voting will take place from 1 to 8 p.m. at the district office, located at 80 Wapato Way in Manson. The position carries a three-year term.

Two candidates are listed on this year’s ballot. Todd A. Jeffries, a third-generation farmer and incumbent board member, is seeking re-election. A Chelan Valley native and Washington State University graduate, Jeffries says his focus has been strengthening the district’s domestic water, sewer, and irrigation systems, including modernization of motor controls and pumps that power the valley’s unique irrigation network. He said he hopes to see those upgrades through to completion in his next term.

Challenging Jeffries is Edwin “Troy” Hawkins, an orchardist who has farmed within the district for nearly three decades. Hawkins emphasized his commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility, saying he wants to keep costs down and ensure that residents and ratepayers receive “the best possible value” from district services. He said his business background and long-range planning experience would guide him in balancing customer needs with community growth.

Under RCW 87.03.051, eligible voters include U.S. citizens who are Washington residents and hold title to assessable land within the district. Corporate and partnership landowners may also vote through authorized agents. Ballots are weighted according to acreage or shares owned, with no single ownership allowed to accumulate more than 49 percent of the total votes in the district.

Qualified electors who prefer to vote early may request an absentee ballot beginning Nov. 21. Requests must be signed and submitted to the district office by mail, by email at jcollins@lcrd.org, or by dropping forms in the office payment box. Completed absentee ballots must arrive or be postmarked no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day, Dec. 9, and received within seven days to be counted.

Election results will be canvassed and certified by the Board of Directors at 1 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, at the district office. Additional election information and forms are available online at lcrd.org/elections_319.html.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media