Watch your mailbox for primary election ballots

King County Elections will mail ballots July 15 for the August 4 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.

“Seattle voters will elect their council members by district for the first time in the August 4th primary election. For those of you outside the city- not to worry, as you will have a variety of county races and measures awaiting your votes also,” said Sherril Huff, Director of King County Elections. “So go for it, be a first day to vote, informed voter!”

Forty-seven candidates are running for nine Seattle city council seats. Seven of the nine seats are being elected by district, the remaining two will be elected at large (citywide). More information on the new Seattle districts is available.

There are a total of 165 candidates and 45 offices on the ballot, with 27 jurisdictions participating in the primary. There are five measures on the ballot from three jurisdictions.

King County Elections has forecast a turnout of 30 percent for this election.

Options for returning ballots

Voters should read and follow directions on their ballots, sign the return envelope, and get ballots back before the Aug. 4 election day deadline. Mailed ballots need a first-class stamp; postage is now 49 cents. Voters also have 24 locations to return ballots without a stamp by 8 p.m. on Aug. 4, including permanent drop box locations, scheduled ballot drop-off vans and Accessible Voting Centers.

In-person voter registration deadline

Citizens not yet registered to vote in Washington state have until July 27 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 20 or who have questions should call King County Elections at 206-296-VOTE (8683).