King County Elections has sent 186,500 ballots to voters in six districts participating in the Feb. 14 Special Election.

The department expects voters to return nearly 71,000 of those ballots.

“We project a turnout of 38 percent for this election,” said Elections Director Sherril Huff. “Special elections typically have a smaller turnout; however, the decisions being made address important issues in communities. We encourage voters to take the time to vote.”

About 18,000 voters returned ballots in the first week of voting. Voters can return their ballots without postage to one of five ballot drop boxes located throughout the county until 8 p.m. on Election Day, Feb. 14. Or, they can return their ballots by mail using a 45-cent stamp. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Feb. 14 at the latest.

If you are a registered voter in a participating district and have not received your ballot by the end of the week, request a replacement ballot online or call Elections at 206-296-VOTE (8683).