Incomplete and unofficial results of the Sno-Isle Library System levy election show the levy increase is gaining approval, but by a slim margin.

As of noon Friday, the measure was receiving 62.3 percent approval from Island County voters, but was being defeated in Snohomish County, with 48.6 percent approval. The levy would increase the tax rate for libraries from 46 to 50 cents on each $1,000 of assessed value of property.

The Island County Auditor’s Office reported that all Island County precincts have been counted, and about 4,500 mail-in ballots remained to be counted Friday, or about 24 percent of the total ballots cast.

Snohomish County officials reported all precincts have been tallied, and 27,118, or 29.5 percent of all ballots cast, remain to be counted.

In Island County, 8,593 voters voted for the levy and 5,192 voted against it, according to the Island County Auditor’s office.

In Snohomish County, the count as of noon Friday was 33,320 against, or 51.4 percent, and 31,530 in favor.

Sno-Isle Library System officials were upbeat Friday, noting that the tally of both counties combined shows the levy passing with 54.5 percent of the votes cast.

“We’re still showing a small lead,” Cheryl Telford said Friday.

Telford, assistant director for community libraries and technology for the Sno-Isle Regional Library System, said Sno-Isle has been very pleased with the positive momentum and popularity the levy has had among island voters.

“We’re really pleased to see that kind of support,” she said.

Approval in Island County and rejection in Snohomish County might not come as a surprise to many, because the same thing occurred in February, the last time the library levy was on the ballot. In that election, the proposal was approved by 47 percent of voters.

Also similar is how Island County voters strongly supported the levy and Snohomish voters were somewhat more opposed than in favor.

And this time, as in February, the election comes down to how many people voted in Snohomish County.

Official certified votes will be posted on Nov. 18 in Snohomish County and Nov. 19 in Island County.