Two races featured ghost challengers

PORT ANGELES — Clallam County featured two races with “ghost challengers” who had withdrawn from the race but whose names remained on the ballot.

In Clallam County Commissioner District 1, incumbent Mark Ozias of Sequim (prefers Democrat) received 14,258 votes, or 64.24 percent for a new four-year term.

Challenger Stan McClain of Sequim (prefers Republican) withdrew from the race in August for medical reasons. However, he did so too late to have his name removed from the ballot. He still received 7,868 votes or 35.45 percent. The race also attracted 69 write-in votes.

In the Sequim School District Director at large Position 5 race, a four-year position, incumbent Michael Rocha was running unopposed, even though the ballot listed Sandra Kellso as a challenger.

Kellso withdrew from the race after the deadline for having her name removed. Despite that, she took 5,612 votes, or 48.58 percent, while Rocha received 5,440 votes, or 51.2 percent. The race also attracted 23 write-in votes.

Rocha was appointed to the open position on the five-member board in October 2022. He replaced Jim Stoffer, who had resigned his Director 3 position in September.

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Reporter Brian Gawley can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 55650, or at brian.gawley@ peninsuladailynews.com.