Written by Mitchell Rowland / mitchell@chronline.com
Voting in the general election officially began Friday with more than 4.9 million registered voters across Washington state, according to the Secretary of State’s Office.
On Wednesday, the Lewis County Auditor’s Office mailed out 55,475 ballots, which could take up to 10 days to arrive. Starting Friday, ballots will be accepted at 544 official mailboxes and 67 voting centers across the state managed by county election officials.
If voters submit their ballots by mail, completed ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 5, and the U.S. Postal Service recommends voters mail their ballots one week before the election. There is.
“The Secretary of State’s Office and county elections offices are committed to ensuring that every election is conducted securely and transparently,” Assistant Secretary of State Kevin McMahan said in a statement. “This election is an opportunity for every voter to help shape their community, and we are committed to making sure every voice is heard.”
This year’s ballot includes four statewide initiatives, a statewide elected office, a countywide office, a levy, and a presidential race.
Registered voters should begin viewing their ballots the week of October 21st through October 25th. If voters have not received their ballot after 10 days, the Comptroller’s Office recommends that they visit votewa.gov, select “My Vote,” and call 360. 740-1278, or visit us at 351 NW North St., Chehalis. If a registered voter moves, they can update their registration using either option.
Residents who want to participate in the election but have not yet registered can do so at their county election office or vote center until 8 p.m. on Election Day or through votewa.gov by Oct. 28. .
Regional versions of the state voter pamphlet have been distributed to every residence in Washington, and voters can visit votewa.gov to view their personalized voter guide, check their voting status, and locate official drop boxes. You can find it.
In response to questions from Chronicle readers, Lewis County Chief Deputy Auditor Tom Stanton said that despite what it may seem at first glance, the local voter guide is missing not even two pages. said.
Due to the large number of pages in the guide, some pages are saddle stitched.
“We asked people to look at the page numbers,” Stanton wrote in an email. “If you look, these fragments are between pages 16 and 17. There are no pages between 16 and 17.”
