Ballots for the August 5 primary election will soon arrive in Washington voters’ mailboxes.
Counties across the state have until Friday to mail their ballots to the more than 4.4 million eligible voters in this election.
This off-year election focuses mostly on local seats, with nearly 300 total races and ballot measures, according to the Secretary of State’s Office. All but two counties – Garfield and Columbia – have elections this August.
Nine legislative seats are on the ballot this year following appointments, retirements and elections to higher office. Three of those races – in the 33rd, 41st and 48th Legislative Districts – have more than two candidates on the ballot, making the primary election important to narrow down who will move forward.
In Seattle, the mayor, city attorney and some key City Council races are all being decided this year. Also, a crowded race for King County executive is already heating up.
Thirty-four county positions, 128 city positions and 68 other local positions, including school and fire districts, are on ballots this year.
The top two vote-getters in each race will move onto the general election on Nov. 4.
Ballots must be in a drop box or postmarked in the mail by 8 p.m. on Aug. 5. Voters who need to update their registration can do so online until July 28. For last-minute updates or to vote in person, voters can visit a voting center or county elections office until 8 p.m. on Aug. 5.
For more information on candidates, drop box locations, and how to track your ballot, visit VoteWA.gov.
