Ballots for the Aug. 17 primary election are appearing in the mailboxes of 1.1 million registered voters in King County.
Ballots in the all-mail election must be postmarked no later than Aug. 17 – the election day – to count. The top two vote-getters, regardless of political affiliation, will advance to the Nov. 2 general election.
For Renton voters, the election is really about races in five legislative districts. There are no races for elected city officials.
In “partisan” races, political affiliations, such as Democrat, Republican or independent, are listed as a preference under the top-two primary rules.
Non-partisan races, such as those for judge, will only appear on the primary election ballot if there are three or candidates.
The primary also will narrow the field to two in some hotly contested congressional races, including the seats held by U.S. Sen. Patty Murray and by U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert, who represents part of Renton.
Five legislative districts cover Renton: the 5th, the 11th, the 37th, the 41st and the 47th.
Most of the partisan races only have two candidates, which means both will advance to the general election in the top-two primary format. The races are on the ballot to allow for write-in votes.
For example, in the 41st District House Position 1 race, incumbent Marcie Maxwell of Renton is challenged Peter Dunbar of Mercer Island.
Three Renton legislative districts have races with three candidates, which means someone won’t make it to the general election. They are:
• 5th District, House Position 2: David Spring (Democrat), Dean Willard (Democrat) and incumbent Glenn Anderson, (Republican).
• 41st District, House Position 2: Stephen Strader (Republican), Orion S. Webster (independent) and incumbent Judy Clibborn (Democratic).
• 47th District, House Position 1: Nancy Wyatt (Republican), Geoff Simpson (Democratic) and Mark Hargrove (Republican).
Voters can confirm that their ballot was mailed and see its progress online using the ballot tracker system on the King County Elections website.
“Voting begins the day you get your ballot in the mail” said Sherril Huff, King County Elections director. “Ballots must be returned no later than Election Day on Aug. 17, and our office is here to help, so be an informed voter and visit us online, call or stop by to get your questions answered.”
Ballots can be returned by mail, requiring a first-class stamp and must be postmarked no later than Aug. 17. Ballots may also be returned at a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Aug. 17. Ballot drop boxes are located at the King County Elections Office in Tukwila and in downtown Seattle at the King County Administration Building.
Tips for voting from the county:
• Read the entire ballot front to back and top to bottom before voting
• Read the voters’ pamphlet
• Use a blue or black ink pen to fill out the ballot
• Tear the stub off of the top of the ballot
• Sign the back of the envelope using your official signature
Voters with disabilities can cast a private and independent ballot at three accessible voting centers. In-person accessible voting has begun at King County Elections Tukwila office. Seattle and Bellevue locations will open on Aug. 16.
Voters can visit the elections website, www.kingcounty.gov/elections or call the elections office 206-296-VOTE for assistance and information. More information on the August 17 primary election is available on the Elections website.
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