OLYMPIA — County elections offices across Washington have mailed ballots to eligible voters for the Aug. 5 primary election. Only Columbia and Garfield counties are not participating.
Approximately 87.4% of Washington’s 5 million registered voters will be eligible to vote in the August primary. Ballots cover 239 races and 59 local measures across the state.
Voters participating in the primary must return their ballot by Election Day, Aug. 5. Ballots can be returned by mail, in an official ballot drop box, or delivered in person to a county elections office or voting center. The U.S. Postal Service recommends returning ballots by mail at least a week in advance of Election Day to ensure it is postmarked on time.
“The August primary is another opportunity for Washington voters to help shape the future of their communities,” Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said. “Whether you’re voting on a local measure or a top 2 primary race, your vote matters. My office and county elections offices across the state are dedicated to ensuring your vote is secure.”
Eligible individuals who register to vote or update their voter registration online or by mail must have received their registration forms by Monday, July 28. Voters can register to vote or update their registration in person at a voting center until 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Some 17-year-olds will be eligible to vote in the August primary if they turn 18 before the November general election. These voters, called primary-only voters, only vote in top 2 primary races that determine which candidates will appear on the November general election ballot. More information about primary-only voters is available on the Future Voter program website.
Voters can verify their voter registration is up to date or check their ballot status by signing in to VoteWA.gov. Voters can also sign up for text message notifications about their ballot online at VoteWA.gov or by texting “VOTE” to 868392.
A complete list of ballot drop boxes and voting centers is available on the Office of the Secretary of State’s website.
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Washington’s Office of the Secretary of State oversees areas within state government including managing state elections, registering corporations and charities, and governing the use of the state flag and state seal. The office operates the State Archives and the State Library, documents extraordinary stories in Washington’s history through Legacy Washington, and administers the Combined Fund Drive for charitable giving by state employees and the Productivity Board state employee suggestion program. The Secretary of State oversees the state’s Address Confidentiality Program to help protect survivors of crime and the Civic Engagement Program to increase governmental trust and participation for all Washingtonians.