VANCOUVER, Wash. -- Two hotly contested mayor races highlight Tuesday's off-year election in southwest Washington.

Mayoral candidates in Washougal and Vancouver were still trying to win over voters Monday night.

The race in Vancouver is the most expensive of its kind in city history with City Council member Tim Leavitt and incumbent Royce Pollard raising nearly $300,000 combined.

Leavitt has served on the City Council for seven years and believes the city is ready for a change.

"As the second-largest city in the Portland metro area, we need to start behaving like a big city, and we can with fresh perspective," Leavitt said.

Pollard said Tuesday will be his last mayoral election whether he wins or loses. He plans to retire after his next term. He said voters can continue to rely on his experience.

"I have 14 years of proven leadership and 14 years of relationship that have been built up over that time," Pollard said. "And it's a proven leadership record. It's not an 'I promise you' leadership."

In Washougal, questions over city expenses have added fuel to the mayor's race. Challenger Sean Guard has raised questions about incumbent Stacee Sellers' expenses, including money for meals and the use of her city-paid cell phone.

"Too much money has been spent," said Theresa Ellis, a Washougal resident. "Too much of our tax dollars have been spent and nothing has come of it."

Sellers said in a statement that she is indeed fiscally responsible and has created a better community in Washougal since taking the office in 2005. Some voters agree.

"They're trying to do local activities and have Saturday markets," said Tony Baldino, who lives in Washougal. "(They) try to get the community involved and she does some items for Christmas. It seems like she's trying to build a community."

Mail ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday or dropped off at a designated site. Secretary of State Sam Reed expects 51 percent of Washington's 3.5 million voters to take part in Tuesday's election.

Heated Mayor Races Highlight Election