King County Elections will mail primary ballots July 27

Primary election ballots will be mailed July 27 to all King County voters. Voters’ pamphlets will also be mailed this week, and will arrive separately from voters' ballots. The Election Day deadline to return ballots is Aug. 16. In Kenmore, Don Ellis, Eric Adman and Stan Isenhath are vying for the Commissioner Position No. 1 in the King County Fire Protection District No. 16 (Northshore Fire Department). The top-two vote-getters will move on to the Nov. 8 general election.

July 26, 2011 1:40 pm

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

In Kenmore, Don Ellis, Eric Adman and Stan Isenhath are vying for the Commissioner Position No. 1 in the King County Fire Protection District No. 16 (Northshore Fire Department). The top-two vote-getters will move on to the Nov. 8 general election.

Voting begins this week, and people can vote and return their ballots as soon as they 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 July 28, and locations are listed on the Elections Web site 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, King County 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 residents do not receive their ballots by Aug. 6, they can contact King County Elections for a replacement. The Voter Hotline is available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 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.

Aug. 8 is the in-person deadline to register to vote. For residents who are not currently registered voters in Washington, they can register in person at the King County Elections office through Aug. 8.

King County Elections recently returned to its Renton headquarters at 919 S.W. Grady Way. This location offers a 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 Aug. 1-19, during business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Aug. 16).