Aug. 4 primary ballots mailed to Snohomish County voters

Snohomish County Elections has mailed ballots for the Aug. 4 primary election to approximately 535,000 registered voters.

According to a news release from the Snohomish County Elections Office, voters can expect to begin receiving their ballots toward the end of the week, with delivery continuing through the weekend and into early next week. Every household in Snohomish County was also mailed a local voters’ pamphlet this week. In mid-June, Snohomish County Elections mailed 8,415 ballots to military and overseas voters.

“Elections matter! This year’s federal, state and local elections will determine the priorities that shape our communities for at least the next two years,” said Snohomish County Auditor Garth Fell. “And the primary is the first opportunity for voters to consider the candidates and issues that reflect their values and matter to them. I encourage voters to review their August primary election materials and vote and return their ballot as soon as practical.”

The Aug. 4 primary helps narrow the field of candidates advancing to the November general election. In each race, the top two vote-getters will advance to the November General Election. Partisan offices always appear on the primary ballot, even if only one or two candidates file. Most nonpartisan races only appear on the primary ballot when three or more candidates file to run for the position.

This year’s primary ballot includes contests for U.S. Representative, State Representative, State Senator, judicial offices and local positions, such as County Prosecuting Attorney and Public Utility District Commissioner. Voters will also elect Precinct Committee Officers in precincts where multiple candidates from the same political party are seeking the position.

In addition to candidate races, voters in some jurisdictions will also see local ballot measures for the City of Everett, the City of Stanwood, the Darrington School District, the Sno-Isle Intercounty Rural Library District, one hospital district and three fire districts.

Eligible 17-year-olds who will turn 18 by the Nov. 3 general election can participate in the August primary. These voters will receive a ballot that includes only primary candidate races. Their ballots will not include local ballot measures or Precinct Committee Officer contests.

Voters have until Monday, July 27, to register or update their existing voter registration online or by mail. In-person voter services, including registering to vote, updating an existing registration, obtaining a new or replacement ballot and using accessible voting equipment will be available until 8 p.m. on election night, Tuesday, Aug. 4, at the Auditor’s Office in Everett or at an accessible voter services location. For hours of operation and the addresses of accessible voter services locations, refer to the local voters’ pamphlet or the county’s website.

There will be 37 official ballot drop boxes open for the Aug. 4 primary. Voters have until 8 p.m. on Election Day to return their ballot to an official ballot drop box. Ballot drop boxes are available 24 hours a day until 8 p.m. on election night and are the most convenient and reliable option for voters to return their completed ballots, the Elections Office said. A complete list of official ballot drop box locations can be found online at snoco.gov/elections.

Voters may return their ballots by mail, but election officials recommend sending ballots at least one week before election day to allow adequate time for delivery. Recent operational changes within the U.S. Postal Service, including reduced pickup frequency in some areas and adjustments to postmarking procedures, may affect delivery timelines and postmark timing for ballots returned close to Election Day. If a ballot must be returned by mail less than one week before Election Day, voters are strongly encouraged to visit a local post office in person and request a hand-stamped postmark from a postal clerk.

Voters can track the status of their ballot online and sign up to receive text alerts about their ballot at VoteWA.gov. These tools allow voters to see when their ballot is received by Snohomish County Elections, verified and accepted for counting. Voters who have signed up for text alerts will also be notified if there is a problem with their ballot signature and provided with instructions to resolve the issue.

Snohomish County’s new “I Voted” stickers will be available during the August primary at the Auditor’s Office in Everett, accessible voter services sites and Sno-Isle public libraries throughout the county. Created to celebrate the diversity of Snohomish County and strengthen civic pride, the series features custom-designed stickers inspired by the county’s distinct landscapes, industries, and culture. The award-winning stickers provide Snohomish County voters with a unique way to celebrate their participation in the election process.

Voters who have not received a ballot by July 20 should call Snohomish County Elections at 425-388-3444.

For more information, visit Snohomish County Elections’ website at snoco.gov/elections. You can also connect with the Auditor’s Office on Facebook, Instagram and X. If you have additional questions, email Snohomish County