It’s the “top two” primary, which means the top two in each race will proceed to the general election, regardless of party. So get out and vote (or mail in those absentees.) Here in the 36th district, the big showdown is the state legislative battle between Reuven Carlyle (D), John Burbank (D) and Leslie Bloss (R) — which may become our state’s most expensive legislative race ever.

As of 2:30 a.m.the results of the “top two” primary are: John Burbank, 42.21%, Reuven Carlyle, 41.53% and Leslie Bloss, 16.26%. As expected, Burbank and Carlyle are neck-and-neck, and the two Democrats will proceed to the general election where they’ll face off for the 36th district legislative seat. Get ready for a lot more signs around the neighborhood.

Two Democrats who hope to replace longtime 36th District Rep. Hellen Sommers in the state Legislature are in full campaign swing, judging by the number of signs dotting lawns throughout the area.

The Seattle PI published a backgrounder today on Queen Anne resident Reuven Carlyle, a follow-up to a profile they did last week on John Burbank, who lives in Phinney Ridge.

In previous years, this election would essentially be over after the August primary, with the top Democrat going on to win against a token Republican opponent in the heavily Democratic district. But with a change to a top-two primary, Burbank and Carlyle are expected to both be on the November ballot.

And if you’re wondering, Leslie Bloss has filed as the Republican challenger, but according to the Seattle PI, has yet to raise more than $150 for her campaign.

For more background on the candidates, visit Burbank’s site and Carlyle’s site.

The blue and yellow campaign signs are everywhere in the neighborhood. Democrats John Burbank and Reuven Carlyle are vying for the state representative seat in the 36th district in a highly-competitive race. Last night, a meeting of voting Democrats was unable to reach a consensus on endorsing one of the candidates, reports the PI. With the state’s top-two primary a month away, both Burbank and Carlyle will likely make the cut and head into November, spending as much as a combined $500,000 along the way — an unprecedented figure for a state house race.