In just two days, Washingtonians will weigh in on the state's primary election. Cities and counties all have varying issues, but there are some statewide reces
In just two days, Washingtonians will weigh in on the state's primary election. Cities and counties all have varying issues, but there are some statewide races on the ballot too.
"We have heard from lots of folks that they are excited to vote," Halei Watkins of King County Elections said. "And we hope that means they are excited to vote not just in November but also in this August primary."
With such a busy ballot this August, King County Elections officials are urging everyone to get their ballots in early. Watkins said, especially so close to the election, the best way to make sure your ballot is counted is by using one of the 91 drop boxes across the county by 8 PM on Election Day.
"If you care about who is going to be on your general election ballot, you have to vote in the primary," Watkins said. "The primary election is when we narrow the top pool of candidates down to those top two who we see in November."
At the end of each day, ballots are collected from drop boxes, so none are sitting in one for an extended period of time. Watkins noted that drop boxes are bolted to the ground and fireproof.
Statewide, there are five Supreme Court seats up for grabs this fall. Of those five, four of them have primaries in August. The primary results could set the scene for major shake-ups on the court, made up of nine justices total.
Chief Justice Debra Stephens holds one of five seats on the state Supreme Court that are up for grabs this fall.
"It's unprecedented that there are five seats on the Supreme Court that will be on the ballot," Stephens said back in May.
And depending on what county and district you live in, you will see several local races on your ballot too, from U.S. representative to city council seats that are being battled over all over Washington.
There are levies on ballots across the state too. In Seattle, there is Proposition 1, which would increase property taxes in order to fund Seattle Public Library. If passed by voters, the proposal will replace an expiring 2019 library levy worth $219 million with a new levy that will last seven years and total $480 million.
Upon signing the proposal in April, Wilson said in a statement, “By supporting the proposal, we’re strengthening the shared public spaces that bring people together and expand opportunity, creativity, and lifelong learning across our city.”
Primary election results will be certified two weeks after Election Day.
