King County Elections to mail general election ballots today
Published 11:19 am Tuesday, October 14, 2014
King County Elections will mail ballots today to nearly 1.2 million registered voters for the Nov. 4 general election.
“There are important issues on the ballot this election as well as candidates for offices,” said Sherril Huff, director of King County Elections. “Make sure to mark your ballot and return it as early as possible.”
King County Elections has forecast a turnout of 62 percent for this election.
Voters’ pamphlets
Voters will receive two voters’ pamphlets this election, one from the state and one from King County Elections. Voters’ pamphlets are mailed separately and may arrive on a different day than ballots. Voters may also check MyVoterGuide for a customized voters’ pamphlet.
On general election ballots
There are five statewide measures (three initiatives and two advisory votes) on ballots this election, along with 10 measures from various local jurisdictions. There are 140 candidates and 90 offices in the general election.
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 Nov. 4 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 Nov. 4, including permanent drop box locations, scheduled ballot drop-off vans and Accessible Voting Centers.
Redmond residents can return their ballots to the drop-off box at Redmond City Hall, 15670 N.E. 85th St. The box will be open 24 hours from Oct. 16 to Nov. 3 and until 8 p.m. on Nov. 4.
In-person voter registration deadline
Citizens not yet registered to vote in Washington state have until 4:30 p.m. Oct. 27 to register in person at King County Elections offices to vote in the primary election:
• King County Elections
919 S.W. Grady Way
Renton
Open weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• King County Voter Registration Annex
500 4th Ave.
Room 440
Seattle
Open weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2-4:30 p.m.
Voters who don’t receive a ballot by Oct. 20 or who have questions should call King County Elections at 206-296-VOTE (8683).
