Ballots are on the way for the August 3 Primary Election

Photo by GM Wiegand

Registered voters across Washington will soon receive ballots for the upcoming Primary Election, Tuesday, August 3, 2021

The Primary Election’s 18-day voting period begins Friday, July 16, and lasts through election day. Ballots include a prepaid-postage return envelope, so people who return their ballots via U.S. mail do not have to pay for a stamp. 

Voters who place their ballots in an official drop box must do so by 8pm on election day. Not one minute later. Election workers are stationed at every drop box to close them at precisely 8pm.

Drop box locations may be found at VoteWA.gov

Secretary of State Kim Wyman encourages voters to mail their completed ballots well before election day to ensure their ballots are received on time. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked on or before August 3. 

If you wait until August 3, check the pick up time at the post office or drop box. Ballots deposited after that time will not be counted.

“I recommend Washingtonians mail their ballot early to ensure their votes count and their voices are heard,” said Secretary Wyman. 

“During this primary election, voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on local positions and issues that affect our everyday lives, from mayoral and city council races to school boards, fire districts, and more. I encourage every eligible voter to participate.”

Registered voters can log in to VoteWA.gov to access their personal voting information, update their registration, view their online voter guide, locate a ballot drop box, check the status of their ballot, and more. 

People who want to register to vote can visit VoteWA.gov and fill out a brief form. A valid Washington state driver’s license or ID is required to register online.

To vote in the Primary Election, registrations must be received by Monday, July 26 – eight days before election day – either online or via U.S. mail. After July 26, people can register or update their registration in person at their county’s elections office during business hours and until 8pm Aug. 3.

More voter and election information, including county elections office locations, is available at sos.wa.gov/elections.