Vote For Your Life: 2018 Election Deadlines Approaching

SEATTLE, WA - The August primary is fast approaching for Puget Sound voters. And as boring as it sounds, the primary is an extremely important election, deciding which candidates get to advance to the general election.

Here are just a few items voters will decide:

• Voters will be deciding whether to renew the King County automated fingerprint ID levy, which expires this year. If renewed, the levy would cost property owners 3-1/2 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.
• U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell is running for reelection this year, and there are more than two dozen people on the primary ballot who want to challenge her in the general election. Even if you absolutely love Cantwell, it's important for her to have a solid challenger in the general.
• Congressional District 8! This race, to replace Dave Reichert, is one of the most closely-watched Congressional races in the U.S. Three strong Democrats are competing for the chance to face off against Dino Rossi in the general election (although, Rossi is not guaranteed to get past the primary). Residents of Issaquah, Enumclaw, Renton, Puyallup, Bonney Lake, and Sumner will be among those voting in this race.
• Dozens of Legislative seats are up for election this year, and most are competitive. The race for the 34th Legislative District (West Seattle, Vashon, Burien) Senate seat is wide open - and there are 11 people gunning for the seat.

Here are a few crucial upcoming dates (especially if you're not registered to vote):

• July 9 - Deadline to register to vote online or update your voting details (address, name, etc.)
• July 20 - Start of 18-day voting period. Ballots will start to hit mailboxes around this time, although counties may send them out sooner.
• July 30 - Deadline for new voters to register in person.
• Aug. 7 - Primary day! Polls close at 8 p.m. statewide.

And remember: return postage on ballots is free this year! So if you've put off voting before because you didn't have stamps ... you're out of excuses.

File photo by Neal McNamara/Patch