Ballots are being returned at a steady rate to King County Elections where Election Day results are expected to set a new mail ballot record. With more than 400,000 ballots already returned, Elections staff have been busy processing ballots and officials expect to report on about 350,000 votes cast in the first set of election results.
“Voters have only a little more time to get their ballots returned,” said Elections Director Sherril Huff. “If you haven’t already mailed your ballot, get it in the mail as early as possible as it must be postmarked no later than November 2. If you’re returning your ballot to one of our drop boxes, please don’t wait until the last minute.”
Ballot drop boxes, by law, are sealed shut promptly at 8 p.m. on Election Day.
King County is estimating a total election return of about 720,000 ballots, or 68 percent of registered voters. This would set a new record for mail voting in King County. The previous record was set in the 2008 presidential election with nearly 650,000 mail ballots returned.
“I’d also like to remind voters to follow up promptly if you’re contacted by the Department of Elections,” Huff said. “Even if Election Day has passed, we may be trying to reach you in order to process your ballot.”
Ballots returned on time can still be counted if signature problems are resolved prior to when the Election is certified November 23.
Election results will be reported on the Elections Web site, www.kingcounty.gov/elections, at 8:15 p.m. on Nov. 2, and updated on subsequent days at 4:30 p.m. Voters can also visit the website to track their ballot and confirm that it was received by Elections.
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