Press release:

Primary election ballots will be mailed on Wednesday, July 27 to all King County voters. Voters' pamphlets will also be mailed this week, and will arrive separately from your ballot. The Election Day deadline to return ballots is Aug. 16.

Voting begins this week, and you can vote and return your ballot as soon as you receive it. Ballots can be returned at a ballot drop box or through the mail, which requires a first class stamp. Ballots must be postmarked by Aug. 16 or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on that day. Eleven drop boxes will open on July 28, and locations are listed on the Elections website and in the voters' pamphlet.

"Voters who vote and return their ballots before the Election Day deadline really help us process ballots more efficiently," said Sherril Huff, Elections Director. "If you don't receive your ballot within about 10 days, or have any questions, call the Voter Hotline. It's a convenient and easy way for us to help you."

If you do not receive your ballot by Aug. 6, contact King County Elections for a replacement. The Voter Hotline is available weekdays from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., 206-296-VOTE (8683).

To ensure that voters with disabilities are able to cast a private and independent ballot, King County offers three accessible voting centers. More information on accessible voting centers is available online.

Monday, Aug. 8 is the in-person deadline to register to vote. If you are not currently a registered voter in Washington, you can register in person at the King County Elections office through August 8.

King County Elections recently returned to its Renton headquarters at 919 Southwest Grady Way. This location offers a wonderful viewing loop for the public to take a self-guided tour and observe the election process in action. The best days to visit are weekdays August 1 to 19, during business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Aug. 16).

Tips for voting:

Read the ballot instructions before voting
Use a black ink pen to fill out the ballot
Tear the stub off of the top of the ballot and recycle it
Sign the voter's oath on the back of the return envelope
Return your ballot early to be part of the Election Night results and to ensure there's enough time to correct any issues that may be associated with your signature

For more information, visit the King County Elections website, www.kingcounty.gov/elections, or call 206-296-VOTE (8683)