It’s primary election day in Washington state. Here’s what to know

Today is Election Day, which means you have until 8 p.m. to drop off your ballots.  

Joining the mad rush of procrastinators as they flock to drop boxes throughout the city on Election Day at the last possible moment? If you’re an Election Day procrastinator, here’s a look at our past coverage to get caught up.

In the mayoral race, Transit Riders Union founder Katie Wilson has emerged from the pack as a likely challenger to Mayor Bruce Harrell in the General Election. Wilson wants to see working people’s concerns built into mayoral policy, along with social housing, affordable and emergency housing and policing alternatives. During his time in office, Harrell has prioritized hiring more cops, cutting down on tent encampments and funding affordable housing. 

• Though Wilson’s the clear frontrunner, matching Harrell’s fundraising, the mayor has seven opponents in this race, including onetime Mike McGinn opponent Joe Mallahan and actor and environmental nonprofit executive director Ry Armstrong. 
• You can read about the rest of this crowded field here. 
• And if you’re panicking as you read this on Tuesday at 4 p.m., we also have a video explainer. 

Harrell, Katie Wilson in close competition ahead of Aug. 5 primary

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell wants to build on first-term accomplishments. Transit Riders Union founder Katie Wilson says the city needs change.

Cascade PBSJosh Cohen

Democracy vouchers are on the ballot on Tuesday – and only Tuesday. You have one job! It’s now or never to decide where you stand on the program, which gives Seattle voters four $25 donation vouchers to fund the candidates of their choosing. 

• Democracy vouchers are meant to broaden fundraising participation for Seattle residents who aren’t moneyed political donors. 
• That isn’t necessarily happening at scale, but supporters of the program say it’s empowering younger voters to participate in politics, where they’re underrepresented among candidates and voters. The con crowd says the program is “inefficient, underutilized and fails to curb big money’s influence.” 
• Sidebar: Did you know Shrek was on the ballot this year? This year’s candidates are working hard for that Gen Z vote. 
• If you’d prefer this information in a visual format, we made a video explainer for this one too. 

Democracy Vouchers make dent with young voters, candidates

Despite low usage, supporters say the program can incentivize candidates to take young voters’ concerns seriously and can help improve turnout.

Cascade PBSNate Sanford

In the race for City Attorney, voters will decide if they want to keep Ann Davison and her law-and-order approach to the office, which Davison says has reduced crime, but which her opponents say has been costly and ineffective. Davison is concerned that a shift in leadership could lead Seattle into lawlessness. 

• The three attorneys challenging her – former assistant U.S. and city attorney Erika Evans, former managing attorney for the King County Bar Association’s Housing Justice Project Rory O'Sullivan and King County Department of Public Defense attorney Nathan Rouse – disagree, and have all said they would focus on clearing the city’s backlog of DUI and domestic violence cases and reviving Seattle’s community court program.

Will Seattle reelect its conservative City Attorney?

Incumbent Ann Davison argues her tough-on-crime approach has worked. Her three opponents say it’s been ineffective and expensive.

Cascade PBSJosh Cohen

The race for King County Executive is narrowing, with King County Councilmembers Girmay Zahilay and Claudia Balducci leading the way in fundraising well ahead of the other candidates in the race. 

• After his arrest on investigation of stalking and harassment, King County Assessor John Wilson suspended his campaign for the office earlier this summer. 
• We gave the rest of the candidates still running an exhaustive questionnaire on their policy positions – you can read their responses here.

What you need to know about the King County Executive primary race

Councilmembers Girmay Zahilay and Claudia Balducci are among seven candidates still vying for the seat in the first open race in more than a decade.

Cascade PBSVenice Buhain

City Council’s two citywide positions are on the ballot this year, as Alexis Mercedes Rinck and City Council President Sara Nelson face challengers to their seats. 

• Rinck’s most viable opponents are minister and homelessness outreach advocate Bishop Ray Rogers and business owner and addiction recovery leader Rachel Savage, but neither have even approached Rinck’s fundraising numbers.  
• Nelson’s most viable opponent is Dionne Foster, executive director of the Washington Progress Alliance. 
• We have a video explainer for this, too. 
• And this is where this year’s City Council candidates stand on disability rights issues. 

Four candidates vie for southeast Seattle’s D2 City Council seat

A mayoral policy advisor, an assistant city attorney, a city union steward and a food security advocate are all vying to finish Tammy Morales’ term.

Cascade PBSJosh Cohen

Alexis Mercedes Rinck has 4 challengers in Seattle’s Position 8

The young progressive, who ousted Tanya Woo in a landslide last fall, is running against a reverend, a small business owner and a metal musician.

Cascade PBSJosh Cohen

This post has been updated with the correct spelling of Rory O'Sullivan's name.