King County Elections will mail ballots July 16 for the August 5 primary election. Voters’ pamphlets are mailed separately and may arrive on a different day than ballots. Voters may also check MyVoterGuide online for a customized voters’ pamphlet.
“Voting can begin as soon as citizens receive their ballots,” said Sherril Huff, Director of King County Elections. “King County Elections has forecast a turnout of 38 percent for this election.”
On primary election ballots
There are a total of 119 candidates and 52 offices on the ballot, ranging from U.S. Representative to Washington state legislators, King County prosecuting attorney and district court judges. Four jurisdictions have propositions on the ballot:
- City of Seattle
- East Pierce Fire & Rescue
- North Highline Fire District
- Snoqualmie Pass Fire Protection District
Voters do not need to make a selection in every race for votes to count. Voters may leave a race blank or “write in” the name of a candidate for a race on the ballot. They shouldn’t write “none of the above” or a frivolous name; that increases processing costs.
Options for returning ballots
Voters should read and follow directions on their ballots, sign the return envelope, and get ballots back before the Aug. 5 election day deadline. Mailed ballots need a first-class stamp. Voters also have 25 locations to return ballots without a stamp by 8 p.m. on Aug. 5, including permanent drop box locations, scheduled ballot drop-off vans and Accessible Voting Centers.
New this election, a scheduled ballot drop-off van will be in Sammamish:
Sammamish City Hall
801 228th Ave SE
Sammamish, WA 98075
In-person voter registration deadline
Citizens not yet registered to vote in Washington state have until July 28 at 4:30 p.m. to register in person at King County Elections offices to vote in the primary election:
King County Elections headquarters
919 SW Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
Open weekdays 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
King County Voter Registration Annex
500 4th Avenue
Room 440
Seattle, WA 98104
Open weekdays 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Questions?
Voters who don’t receive a ballot by July 23 or who have questions should call King County Elections at 206-296-VOTE (8683).