Ballots are out for the August primary! Here’s the when, how, and where to help you navigate the voting process ✅
Important Dates
- Aug. 4: Election Day! You must put your ballot in a drop box by 8 p.m.
Why is the primary important?
The primary election narrows the pool of candidates and ballot measures ahead of the general election in the fall, when voters make their final choices. Washington's primary system advances the top two vote-getters to the general election, regardless of party affiliation.
Check your registration
Double check that your voter registration is up to date, especially if you’ve moved in the last year.
Read up on who’s running
King County should have mailed you a voters pamphlet, but if yours got lost, here’s the online version. Many of our local publications put out endorsements and voting guides for their readers as well:
What else is on the ballot?
This year's Proposition 1 asks for a seven-year, $480 million levy to fund about a third of the Seattle Public Library’s operating budget. This measure covers the basic cost of keeping libraries open. The cost to property owners would be an increase of 23 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, averaging about $193 a year. Cities like Seattle rely on property tax levies to cover budget shortfalls. SPL has used this approach before, with voters approving levies in 2012 and 2019.
Never voted before?
That’s okay. Here’s exactly how to do it!
Stay updated
If you like friendly voting reminders via email or text, sign up for King County’s election alerts.
Return your ballot
You can vote and return your ballot as soon as you receive it! Returning your ballot early allows time to correct any issues that might pop up and it saves you time from waiting in line at a ballot box on the night of the election.
There are three official ways to return your ballot:
- By mail (Your ballot must be postmarked by Election Day)
- An official ballot drop box
- At a Vote Center
Track your ballot
Know where your ballot is every step of the way with VoteWA.org and make sure it’s counted!
Rest assured
Washington votes by mail in every election. If you want to know how it works, the WA Secretary of State website has an illustration you can follow, along with answers to all of your questions.
What if I didn’t get my ballot?
You can request a replacement, print one out, or vote in person. Details here.
Want more? Listen to Jane, producer Sam, and contributor Brett Hamil discuss our upcoming primary on the podcast-
