PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson County’s general election voter turnout of 77.5 percent surpassed the county auditor’s expectations.

“Jefferson is third in state,” said Donna Eldridge on Friday.

Out of a total of 20,973 ballots mailed, 16,259 ballots were counted in the Nov. 7 election which was certified by the county canvassing board on Tuesday.

Dec. 7 is the last day for the secretary of state to certify eeneral election returns.

Turnout in the other county in the North Olympic Peninsula, Clallam County, was 71 percent– 30,882 of 43,483 — 12th highest in the state.

Statewide voter turnout was 64.5 percent.

Jefferson’s percentage was bested by much smaller counties, Eldridge pointed out.

The highest voter turnout in the state was Garfield County’s 84 percent, where 1,236 ballots were counted.

Coming in second was Columbia County, with an 81 percent voter turnout.

There, 1,989 ballots were counted.