Ballots must be returned to a county drop box or voting center by 8 p.m. Aug. 6, or, if mailed using the postage-paid envelope included with every ballot, postmarked by Aug. 6 to be accepted
OLYMPIA — Washington’s county elections offices will mail ballots by Friday and open official ballot drop boxes for the more than 4.8 million registered voters across Washington to participate in the Aug. 6 primary election.
Ballots must be returned to a county drop box or voting center by 8 p.m. Aug. 6, or, if mailed using the postage-paid envelope included with every ballot, postmarked by Aug. 6 to be accepted. The U.S. Postal Service recommends mailing ballots back a week before Election Day. Ballots can also be securely returned via the 599 official drop boxes and voting centers administered by county governments.
All 39 counties have races on the ballot in this election, with 654 elected offices and 94 local measures going before voters. The top two vote-getters for each office will move on to the General Election in November.
“This election is an opportunity to make important decisions that affect us locally and statewide,” Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said. “I encourage all registered voters to use the state’s comprehensive system of trustworthy resources to participate in this election.”
County elections officials provide voters’ pamphlets with election information directly to residences in their jurisdiction. All voters can use VoteWA.gov to see their personalized Voters’ Guide, check their ballot status and find official drop box locations. Voters can also sign up for text notifications by texting “VOTE” to 868392. Message and data rates may apply.
Voters who have not yet registered can still participate in the August 6 Primary. Online registration and updates via VoteWA.gov must be submitted by July 29. In-person registration at county elections offices and voting centers is also available until 8 p.m. on Election Day.
“The Office of the Secretary of State is committed to providing equitable opportunities for your voice to be heard in every election,” Secretary Hobbs said. “I’m proud of the accessible, secure, and trustworthy process that we work with 39 county elections offices to provide throughout the state.”
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 Office of the Secretary of State also oversees the state’s Address Confidentiality Program to help protect survivors of crime.
Also read:
- VIDEO: WA and OR lawmakers irked as update on I-5 Bridge costs still missing
Washington and Oregon lawmakers expressed frustration after planners failed to provide updated cost estimates for the I-5 Bridge replacement during a recent legislative oversight meeting. - Opinion: Atmospheric River events mean even less clearance for vessels crossing under the proposed Interstate Bridge Plan
Neighbors for a Better Crossing argues that high river levels from atmospheric river events further reduce vessel clearance under the proposed Interstate Bridge design, creating long-term navigation risks on the Columbia River. - Vancouver USA Arts & Music Festival opens applications for 2026 performers, artists, and more
Organizers of the Vancouver USA Arts & Music Festival have opened applications for 2026 performers, artists, and vendors ahead of the three-day event returning to downtown Vancouver in August. - Opinion: Why I won’t mourn the end of enhanced ACA subsidies
Elizabeth New (Hovde) argues that allowing enhanced ACA subsidies to expire forces a necessary conversation about rising health care costs rather than continued cost shifting to taxpayers. - Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement goes into effect Jan. 1
Beginning Jan. 1, anglers 15 and older must purchase a Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement to fish for those species in the Columbia River and many Washington tributaries. - City of Washougal launches Strategic Plan Dashboard and shares year-end update
The city of Washougal has launched a new Strategic Plan Dashboard and released a year-end update outlining progress, economic indicators, and key accomplishments tied to its 2023–2028 Strategic Plan. - Letter: Worried about a replacement bridge?
Sharon Nasset raises concerns about congestion, bridge capacity, and unanswered questions surrounding inspections and decisions tied to the I-5 bridge replacement effort.
