Black Diamond annexation continues to pass with strong support | Aug. 5 Update

Published 8:00 pm Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Aug. 6: Support for the city of Black Diamond annexing into the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority’s emergency response district is holding steady as more ballots are counted.

On Aug. 4, 1,326 were counted, with 59% approving the annexation.

Almost another 100 votes were counted on Aug. 5, and while the number of ballots rejecting the measure increased, support is holding at 56%.

Only about a quarter of registered voters’ ballots have been counted as of last night.

However, average voter participation in the city does not often exceed 50% (last year’s mayoral race saw 45% voter participation) and better averages in the 25-33% range.

Nothing of consequence shifted in the Legislative District 5 Pos. 1 race, with incumbent Rep. Zach Hall continuing to lead with 45% of the vote to challenger Michelle Bennett’s 43%.

Aug. 4: Black Diamond residents are currently favoring an annexation into the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority’s emergency response district.

As of election night, the measure was passing with more than 59% of the vote.

Additionally, the two candidates likely moving forward for the Legislative District 5 Pos. 1 seat are Rep. Zach Hall and challenger Michelle Bennett, earning 45% and 43% of the votes respectively.

Enumclaw resident Topher Leritz garnered just over 2% of the vote on election night.

Election results will be updated daily until it appears no more votes are being counted.