I just spoke with Julie Anderson, who is leading in early returns for the Pierce County auditor’s race.

“I’m hoping that trend line continues,” Anderson told me. “It would be great to get a clear majority on the first count. I know it’s important to be patient. We’ll see what happens. tomorrow.”

The race is being decided by ranked choice voting. Early returns show Anderson has about 49 percent of the vote. If she finishes with more than 50 percent, she’ll win the race outright. If not, the winner would be determined by a process of elimination.