Showing posts with label elections. Show all posts
Showing posts with label elections. Show all posts

Rah Rah in the rain

Saturday, January 29, 2022

 
Photo by Leslie Boyd

Echo Lake Elementary PTA president Kaija Dalan and her kids at a Shoreline corner on a rainy night.



 

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Online and mail voter registration deadline for February Special Election – January 31, 2022

King County Director of Elections Julie Wise
with King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski
The February Special election is quickly approaching with ballots due to drop boxes by 8pm sharp or postmarked by Tuesday, February 8, 2022. 

The deadline to register to vote online or by mail (received, not postmarked) is Monday, January 31.

After the deadline has passed, voters can still register to vote, update their registration or signature, receive a replacement ballot, or use an assistive device at King County Elections Headquarters in Renton.

About 1.2 million registered voters are eligible to vote in this election, primarily weighing in on ballot measures impacting schools and parks. All participating voters should have received their ballot by Monday, January 24. 

Those who have not received their ballot or misplaced it should request one online or give King County Elections a call at 206-296-VOTE (8683) during business hours. Registered voters can also download and print their ballot online through the accessible online ballot marking program.

Voters may opt to receive their ballot and voting materials in Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese and King County Elections provides customer service in over twenty languages.

To be eligible to vote, you must be:
  • A citizen of the United States
  • A legal resident of Washington State
  • At least 18 years old by Election Day
  • Not currently serving a sentence of total confinement under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections for a Washington felony conviction
  • Not currently incarcerated for a federal or out-of-state felony conviction


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Shoreline City Council unanimously supports Shoreline School District's Propositions 1 and 2

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

Shoreline City Council supports Shoreline School District propositions on February 8 ballot

On January 24, 2022 the Shoreline City Council unanimously approved Resolution 486 declaring their support for Shoreline School District’s Propositions 1 and 2. Both propositions appear on the February 8, 2022, special election ballots.

Proposition 1 calls for the replacement of the expiring levy for educational programs and operations and would generate approximately $108,750,000 over four years. 

It would continue funding for education programs not fully supported by state and federal funding, including special education staff and instructional programs, highly capable programs, and academic support for students; nurses, family advocates, librarians, and counselors; building maintenance, utilities and transportation; extra-curricular student activities, including music, drama and athletics; and professional development and all Time Responsibility and Incentive compensation for teachers and staff.

Proposition 2 calls for the replacement of the expiring capital levy for technology improvement and support and would generate $14,000,000 over four years.

This replacement levy funds instructional technology and internet access for students and staff across the district. These funds help pay for student and staff computers and technology access; software, online subscriptions, resources, and classroom curriculum; annual maintenance and licensing; equipment upgrades and replacement; staffing, professional development, and training; network servers and wireless infrastructure; and email and website services for families, students, and staff.

Learn more about the Shoreline School District’s Propositions 1 and 2

Under RCW 42.17A.555, the City Council, as an elected legislative body, can take action in support of or opposition to a ballot proposition as long as it is done in an open meeting and an equal opportunity to provide an opposing view is provided. 

Resolution 486 was adopted at the City Council’s January 24, 2022 regular meeting.



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Information presentations on Wednesday and Thursday for Shoreline Schools levies

Monday, January 24, 2022


King County Elections recently mailed ballots to registered voters in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park for the February 8 special election. 

Voters will see two Shoreline School District propositions (Proposition 1 and Proposition 2) on the ballot to replace the current school levies that expire at the end of the year. 

Ballots must be postmarked by February 8 or returned to a ballot drop box by 8:00pm that day.

You can learn more about each of the replacement levy propositions, watch an informational presentation and submit questions at www.shorelineschools.org/levy.

Additionally, there will be informational presentations held in person and streamed via Zoom on January 26 and 27, 2022. 

  • The presentations on Wednesday January 26 will be held at 10:00am and 7:00pm in English, with Spanish interpretation available. 
  • The presentation on Thursday January 27 will be Spanish only at 7:00pm. 
  • Each presentation will be held in the Shoreline Room, Shoreline Center, 18560 1st Ave. NE. Links to stream the presentations via Zoom are available at www.shorelineschools.org/levy.

If you are not registered to vote, it’s not too late to do so. You can find voter registration information and deadlines here.

Shoreline voters need to check both sides of their ballot.



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All about the School District Levies Renewal

Saturday, January 22, 2022

By Donna Hawkey

Two Shoreline School District levy renewals on the February 8th ballot will soon arrive in your mailbox. Proposition 1 replaces the expiring levy for “Educational Programs and Operations”. Proposition 2 replaces the expiring “Capital Levy for Technology Improvements and Support.”

School levies are essential as they pay for what is not paid for by state and federal governments. Even after the 2012 McCleary legislation act designed to fund public schools fully, the complex controversy over the definition of "fully" or well-funded schools continues today in Olympia.

Did you know that the state allocates less than one school nurse for our entire district? Every Shoreline School has a nurse due to the difference paid by the local Prop 1 levy.

Parent Sara Betnel, who is a school board member, said, "Having a nurse in every school has always been important for the health of our students, and it's been even more so over the past few years. Can you imagine not having nurses in our schools during a pandemic?"

Levies support students and teachers, culminating in the district receiving numerous acknowledgments for its high-scoring schools, as noted in publications such as The Washington Post and US News.

An example of how the Shoreline District invests in its teachers; Prop 1 allows for additional teacher training with a total of eight days per year versus just three that the government budgets.

And the Proposition 2 levy has earned the Shoreline School District the reputation of being a leader in education technology access and assisting learners at every level.

Ms. Betnel said, "We are so fortunate to have this levy so that our students can learn with modern and ever-changing technology skills. Having access to devices and the many applications used across the district aids all our learners and prepares them for the future."

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) membership percentage is one of the state's highest with an active group at every school.

"Both the communities of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park show how much they highly value education," said Marla Miller, Deputy Superintendent, Shoreline School District.

Proposition 1 - Renewal Levy for Educational Programs and Operations.

Prop.1 pays for over 20% of the district's general operating budget. For mandatory special education services, the levy renewal pays approximately 40%, which is the amount not paid by the state or federal government.

This renewal includes (taken from the Shoreline School website):
  • Special education staff and instructional programs, highly capable programs and academic support for students
  • Nurses, family advocates, librarians, and counselors
  • Building maintenance, utilities and transportation
  • Extra-curricular student activities, including music, drama and athletics
  • Professional development and all Time Responsibility and Incentive (TRI) compensation for teachers and staff
Proposition 2 renews the expiring Capital Levy for Technology Improvements and Support.
  • Student and staff computers and technology access
  • Software, online subscriptions, resources and classroom curriculum
  • Annual maintenance and licensing
  • Equipment upgrades and replacement
  • Staffing, professional development and training
  • Network servers and wireless infrastructure.
  • Email and website services for families, students, and staff.

For further levy renewal information: https://www.shorelineschools.org/domain/1334

It's not an easy job being a school board member tasked with juggling restrictive budgets. Rod Dembowski, King County City Council member, commented during a Best Start for Kids levy discussion in 2021. "Of all the public service jobs I witness, being a school board member is the hardest one you can do."
 
Director of District 1, Meghan Jernigan, offered her perspective as a community member "These are unusual and challenging times, and they have revealed how much we rely on our educational system for all that it provides our community. As we enter a new season for the district, with our replacement levies and an incredible superintendent, we have the opportunity to continue investing in our youth. And our commitment to our youth is part of what makes this community so special."

Historically, levy renewals in the Shoreline School District have voter support.

If you have any specific questions about either of the two levy renewals, you can contact Deputy Superintendent Marla Miller at: marla.miller@shorelineschools.org.

Ballots are due no later than 8pm on February 8th.

For people with disabilities, or if you're a senior over the age of 61, you can apply for a property tax reduction. Not everyone over 61 qualifies, but all eligible residents should check their status for this tax exemption program






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Shoreline voters - don't forget the back of the ballot

Ballot drop box at 192nd Park and Ride
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Ballots are arriving in the mail for the February 8, 2022 election.

There are three measures on Shoreline ballots and two on Lake Forest Park. Two on Seattle ballots.

Each ballot has two school levies. On the Shoreline ballot the second levy ended up on the back of the ballot. Be sure to turn your ballot over!

Shoreline voters have a parks measure on their ballots. This is the same measure that failed in 2021 only because not enough people voted. 

Ballot drop boxes are out: LFP City Hall, Shoreline Library parking lot, 192nd / Aurora park and ride rain garden. Lake City Library. Broadview Library.  Find other locations here

Key Dates


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Elections open for position on King Conservation District Commission

Thursday, January 20, 2022


King Conservation District is a special purpose district committed to helping people engage in stewardship and conservation of natural resources, serving over two million people in 34 cities and unincorporated King County.

KCD assists people with forestry management, streamside and shoreline restoration, farm conservation planning, and other environmental efforts. KCD is funded primarily by a per-parcel assessment fee.

An all-volunteer, five-member Board of Supervisors is responsible for overseeing KCD operations, budget, and setting policy.

Voters elect three supervisors and the Washington State Conservation Commission appoints two supervisors. Supervisors serve three-year terms.

One position is up for election now with four candidates. Voting is open from January 18 to February 8, 2022.

Candidates:

Read the Candidate Statements

Voting

Voting begins January 18, 2022 at 8:00am and ends February 8, 2022 at 8:00pm. The election will primarily rely on electronic ballot access, with alternative options for printing and mailing in ballots. 

King County Elections will tabulate all ballots and report all results. King Conservation District includes all registered voters in King County (excluding the cities of Enumclaw, Federal Way, Milton, Pacific, and Skykomish). 

Vote here kingcd.org/elections

Anyone with questions about KCD Elections should contact Mark Dostal at elections@kingcd.org or call 425-773-1668.



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Op-Ed: YES. You need to vote again

Sunday, January 16, 2022

YES. You need to vote again.

It might feel like déjà vu, but it’s not.

It might feel like Groundhog Day, but it’s not.

The City of Shoreline’s Proposition 1, to expand and enhance our park system, IS back on your ballot and you DO need to vote again if you want to see these incredible projects become a reality. 

This measure failed in April due to low voter turnout. It did, however, prove wildly popular among those who returned their ballots (72% said yes!), so the city gave one last chance.

One last chance to bring much-needed improvements to underserved neighborhoods like Briarcrest, Hillwood, Richmond Highlands, and Ballinger (where the only play area is in name and reality, a bog). One last chance to aggressively acquire public outdoor space and secure it for our growing future.

Remember the great heat wave of 2021? How nice would it be to have spray parks in our city? Got a dog that needs space to socialize and run? 

Looking for new walking paths and trails? Want to enrich our community with public art? 

How about spaces designed with ADA access for individuals and families in mind? These features and more could be part of a future Shoreline. Learn more by visiting Shorelineparksprop1.com.

City of Shoreline Proposition 1 will allow us to build the community we deserve. YES, you need to vote again if you believe in bringing that future into reality.

It might feel like déjà vu, but it’s not.

It might feel like Groundhog Day, but it’s not.

Please RETURN YOUR BALLOT when it arrives this week.

YES! for Shoreline Parks.


The Shoreline Parks for All Campaign is an ad hoc citizens group advocating for the Shoreline Parks measure on the February 8, 2022 election.

Shorelineparksprop1.com



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Two more opportunities to hear information about the upcoming school replacement levies on the Feb 8 ballot

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

A series of community presentations regarding the upcoming Educational Programs and Operations and Technology Improvements and Support Replacement Levies on the February 8 ballot will continue on  January 4 and January 13. 

There will be a 10am and 7pm session on each of those days in the Shoreline Room, Shoreline Center, 18560 1st Ave. NE.

Spanish interpretation will be available at each presentation. If you would like interpretation in another language, contact our Public Information Office at public.info@shorelineschools.org or 206-393-4412.

The presentations will also be streamed via Zoom. You can find the links for the remaining sessions here.

You can also find detailed information on the replacement levies and submit questions at www.shorelineschools.org/levy



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Was your ballot counted? Check to see

Tuesday, November 9, 2021

Did you sign your ballot?
Has your signature changed?

There are over 5000 ballots in King County with issues with their signature - either the voter forgot to sign or the signature doesn't match what's on file. 

Check our ballot tracker to see where your ballot is in the process and whether yours is one of those 5000. http://kingcounty.gov/elections/ballot-tracker…



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Shoreline Council seeks volunteers for voters’ pamphlet pro and con committees for Shoreline Proposition 1: General Obligation Bonds Parks Improvements and Park Land Acquisition

Friday, November 5, 2021

Shoreline seeks volunteers to write statement on parks bond
At their November 1 meeting, the Shoreline City Council unanimously approved placing a bond measure for parks improvements and park land acquisition on the February 8, 2022, special election ballot. 

The measure includes money for park improvements and park land acquisitions.

Accompanying the February ballots will be the King County Voters’ Pamphlet. 

The pamphlet will include an explanatory statement from the City that states the effect of the bond measure if approved. 

In response will be statements in support and opposition to the ballot measure. State law requires the City Council to appoint two committees to draft the pro and con statements. The committees can have no more than three members each; however, the committees may seek advice from any person or persons. The committees will also have an opportunity to write a rebuttal statement to the other side’s statement.

Individuals interested in applying for one of the committee positions can fill out an online application. Applications are due by November 18 at 10:00 a.m. The City Council will review the applications and appoint the committee members at its November 22 business meeting.

To learn more about the requirements for the voter’s pamphlet and the duties of the pro and con committees, review the 2022 Jurisdiction Manual at King County Elections.



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Thursday's election numbers for LFP Council races and Prop 1

City of Lake Forest Park

Ballots Counted: 4,737

* Registered Voters: 10,364

  • Council position 3 - Jon Lebo has a substantial lead over Stephanie Angelis - 2739 to 1521 (1218)
  • Council position 5 - Tracy Furutani's lead has increased over Maddy Larson  2414 to 1861  (553)
  • Council position 7 - In what was looking like a dead heat yesterday, Larry Goldman is pulling away from Paul Sanford today - 2251 to 2026 (225)
  • Prop 1's chances have not improved today. The Yes vote is 1582 but the No vote is 3093 (1511) 2:1 no to yes.


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Election results to date - Port, County, Shoreline School Board

Thursday, November 4, 2021

Rod Dembowski
King County Council District 1
Rod Dembowski is cruising to an easy victory in King County Council Position 1.

Dow Constantine is ahead by 52,760 votes but Joe Nguyen mounted a vigorous campaign against him.

In the Port of Seattle races, Ryan Calkins is far ahead of his opponent but races for positions 3 and 4 are in a virtual dead heat.

The contest between Peter Steinbrueck and newcomer Toshiko Grace Hasegawa is particularly close. With over 327,000 votes cast, Hasegawa leads by 275 votes.



PORT OF SEATTLE Commissioner Position No. 1

CandidateVoteVote %
Norman Z. Sigler
82,69926%
Ryan Calkins
233,09973.29%
WRITE-IN
2,2720.71%
PORT OF SEATTLE Commissioner Position No. 3

Stephanie Bowman
165,05350.4%
Hamdi Mohamed
161,03349.17%
WRITE-IN
1,4250.44%
PORT OF SEATTLE Commissioner Position No. 4

Peter Steinbrueck
163,06349.7%
Toshiko Grace Hasegawa
163,33849.79%
WRITE-IN
1,6750.51%
KING COUNTY EXECUTIVE

Dow Constantine
195,34257.17%
Joe Nguyen
142,58241.73%
WRITE-IN
3,7401.09%
County Council District No. 1 Metropolitan King County Council District No. 1

Sally Caverzan
6,69016.72%
Rod Dembowski
33,07582.68%
WRITE-IN
2370.59%
SHORELINE SCHOOL BOARD

Shoreline School District No. 412 Director District No. 2
Emily Williams  6,828
Tyann Nguyen   3,943

Shoreline School District No. 412 Director District No. 3
Sarah Cohen   unopposed*



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Election updates Wednesday November 3, 2021 - Lake Forest Park City Council and Prop 1

Goldman (left) and Sanford (right) are within 76 votes of each other as of Wednesday
for Lake Forest Park Council Position No. 7

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

One council race was never in contention as Semra Riddle ran for another term. Council Position No. 7 is a nail-biter with Larry Goldman leading Paul Sanford by 76 votes.

Furutani leads Larson and Lebo leads Angelis.

Prop. 1 for parks and sidewalks, is failing badly.

City of Lake Forest Park
Registered Voters: 10,364

Council Position No. 1
  • Semra Riddle - winner*

Council Position No. 3
  • Stephanie Angelis  983
  • Jon Lebo              1884

Council Position No. 5
  • Tracy Furutani    1,605
  • Maddy Larson    1,281

Council Position No. 7
  • Larry Goldman   1,477
  • Paul Sanford       1,401

Proposition No. 1 (Parks and Sidewalks)
  • YES                  1,041
  • NO                    2,119

*running unopposed



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Election results Nov 2, 2021 - Special Purpose Districts - Shoreline and Lake Forest Park

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

King County Fire Protection District No. 16 aka Northshore Fire
Ballots Counted: 5,595 21.40 % of Registered Voters: 26,146

Commissioner Position No. 3
Tyler Byers     3,562 78.75 % - winner*
Don Ellis        935    20.67 %
Write-in          26       0.57 %
Don Ellis passed away. It was beyond the date to remove his name from the ballot

Commissioner Position No. 5
Nate Herzog       2,185    44.48 %
Lisa Wollum       2,706    55.09 %
Write-in               21          0.43 %

Shoreline Fire Department

Commissioner Position 1
Barb Sullivan - winner*

Commissioner Position 3
Rod Heivilin - winner*

North City Water District
Ballots Counted: 3,408 19.16 % of  Registered Voters: 17,784

Commissioner Position No. 3
Charlotte I. Haines   2,167  73.51 %
Nigel Keiffer               761 25.81 %
Write-in                       20    0.68 %

Northshore Utility District
Ballots Counted: 10,669  19.35 % of Registered Voters: 55,138

Commissioner Position No. 3
David Arthur    3,487 38.03 %
Matt Breysse    5,643 61.54 %
Write-in                 39   0.43 %

*Running unopposed



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Election results Tuesday November 2, 2021 - Lake Forest Park City Council and Prop 1

Tuesday, November 2, 2021  8:04pm

City of Lake Forest Park
Ballots Counted: 2,627  25.35% of Registered Voters: 10,364

Council Position No. 1
Semra Riddle         1,496 92.57 % - winner*

Council Position No. 3
Stephanie Angelis    828 34.88 %
Jon Lebo                1,531 64.49 %
Write-in                      15   0.63 %

Council Position No. 5
Tracy Furutani 1,339    56.05 %
Maddy Larson 1,034    43.28 %
Write-in  16 0.67 %

Council Position No. 7
Larry Goldman   1,242    51.90 %
Paul Sanford       1,134    47.39 %
Write-in                  17        0.71 %

Proposition No. 1 (Parks and Sidewalks)
YES                      841       32.40 %
NO                     1,755       67.60 %

*running unopposed



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Turn in your ballot before 8pm on Tuesday - resources and warnings

Sunday, October 31, 2021

READ THIS and FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

By Diane Hettrick

Your ballots are due before Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at 8pm.

You can mail them in if you verify that they will be postmarked before that time.

There is a Vote Center in Kenmore if you need to register or need assistance. Article here.

Best to put the in an election drop box. They are all over King county and there are three locally.

  1. Lake Forest Park City Hall - there is one right next to City Hall in Town Center, intersection of Ballinger and Bothell Way.
  2. Shoreline Library - in the parking lot - library is located on the corner of NE 175th and 5th NE.
  3. Shoreline Park n Ride - in the northeast corner where there is a little park / rain garden. Across from Cats Exclusive and the old Rat City / Mattress World building.
Sign the outside of the ballot envelope. 
  • Provide an email or phone number in case they can't read your signature.
  • Answer the phone or respond to emails from the elections division. 
  • If they can't "cure" your ballot with the missing or illegible signature it won't be counted. 
You must get your ballot in the drop box before 8pm.
  • If you hand your ballot to an election worker at the drop box even one minute after 8pm - they will take it but it will not be counted.
  • If you get to the drop box after 8pm - laying your ballot on top of the drop box will not get it counted.
Vote
  • Even if a candidate is running unopposed, they still deserve your support
Don't vote
  • If you are uninformed about a candidate or other measure - don't vote. 
  • Skip that one and move on to something you know about.
You can find information about local candidates and measures on our site
  • Important note - this will be a mix of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park
  • It will also have past elections
  • Candidates here - scroll down
  • Candidate forums here - scroll down


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Vote Center at Lumen Field Event Center and five other locations to open Saturday, October 30 for General Election

Friday, October 29, 2021

Kenmore City Hall is a Vote Center
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Lumen Field and the Seattle Seahawks partner with King County Elections for the third consecutive year to host a Vote Center at Lumen Field Event Center, providing voters with in-person assistance from Elections staff. 

Opening this Saturday, October 30, 2021 Lumen Field Event Center, 800 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134, is one of five locations spread throughout King County where voters can go to register to vote, get a replacement ballot, or use an assistive voting device to cast a private, secure ballot through 8pm on Election Day, November 2, 2021.

Other Vote Center locations include Bellevue College, Kent and Kenmore City Halls, Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center, Elections HQ in Renton. Kenmore City Hall is located at 18120 68th Ave NE, Kenmore, WA 98028

There is also a student engagement hub located in the Husky Union Building on the University of Washington Seattle campus for students to receive assistance. Students at the University of Washington Bothell can also print a replacement ballot at the Activities and Recreation Center on campus.

Vote Centers will be open on Saturday, October 30 from 10am to 4pm; Monday, November 1 from 8:30am to 6pm, and Election Day, November 2 from 8:30am to 8pm sharp. Voters who need to come in-person are encouraged to visit one of these locations on Saturday as lines are expected on Monday and Election Day.



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LFP Prop 1 in The Urbanist

Thursday, October 28, 2021

Waterfront Park photo courtesy Windermere Real Estate

Lake Forest Park's Prop 1, on the current ballot, is getting some regional attention. 

This article was recently published in The Urbanist Magazine: "Lake Forest Park Ballot Measure Would Increase Park Access and Fund Safer Streets."

Read it HERE.



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Online and mail voter registration deadline for General election – Monday, October 25

Monday, October 25, 2021

Do not forget to sign and date your ballot
Photo by GM Wiegand
The General Election is quickly approaching with ballots due to drop boxes by 8pm sharp or postmarked by Tuesday, November 2, 2021. 

The deadline to register to vote online or by mail (received, not postmarked) is Monday, October 25.

After the deadline has passed, voters can still register to vote, update their registration or signature, receive a replacement ballot, or use an assistive device at one of King County’s six Vote Center locations or the Student Engagement Hub at the University of Washington’s Husky Union Building until 8pm on Election Day. 

Students at the University of Washington Bothell Campus can print a replacement ballot at the Activities and Recreation Center.

All voters should have received their ballot by Monday, October 25. Those who have not received their ballot or misplaced it should request one online or give King County Elections a call at 206-296-VOTE (8683) during business hours. 

Registered voters can also download and print their ballot online through the accessible online ballot marking program.

Voters may opt to receive their ballot and voting materials in Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese and King County Elections provides customer service in over twenty languages.

“Local elections have such a lasting impact on our communities and it’s so important that we all speak up and turn out in this election. King County voters are weighing in on 332 offices and 15 ballot measures in this election. 
"Your vote is just one tool in the toolbox of democracy but it’s a meaningful one. I hope all those eligible to vote in King County join me in doing so by November 2,” stated Julie Wise, Director of Elections.

To be eligible to vote, you must be:
  • A citizen of the United States
  • A legal resident of Washington State
  • At least 18 years old by Election Day
  • Not under the authority of the Department of Corrections
  • Not disqualified from voting due to a court order
Voters can find more information and track their ballot on the KCE website or contact KCE for assistance.



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