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King County begins mailing ballots for November general election. Here's what voters need to know

By Callie Craighead, SeattlePI

An election worker opens envelopes containing vote-by-mail ballots for the August 4 Washington state primary at King County Elections in Renton, Washington on August 3, 2020.

An election worker opens envelopes containing vote-by-mail ballots for the August 4 Washington state primary at King County Elections in Renton, Washington on August 3, 2020.

JASON REDMOND/AFP via Getty Images

King County voters will want to keep an eye on their mailbox this week, as ballots and voters' pamphlets for the Nov. 2 election were officially mailed on Wednesday.

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After the primary election results were certified in August, voters will now be deciding the future of city and county leadership, including races for positions like Seattle mayor, county executive, county council and Seattle city attorney. Voters can learn what is on the ballot here.

If you haven't registered yet, don't worry — there's still time to register and get your ballot in before the deadline to make sure your voice is heard. Form important dates to what to do if you don't receive your ballot, here's everything voters need to know about the upcoming general election.

Can I still register? When is the last day to register?

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Oct. 25 marks the last day to register online or by mail for the election. However, you can still register in person at the King County Elections Office in Renton or at a Vote Center up until 8 p.m. on Election Day.

How do I return my ballot?

There are three ways to submit your ballot and cast your vote: through a ballot drop box, by mail, or in person at a vote center.

If you are returning your ballot to a drop box, it must be submitted by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. There might be lines from last-minute voters, so plan ahead. The nearest drop box location can be found here.

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Voters can also return their ballot by mail, but it must be postmarked by Nov. 2. To ensure that it is postmarked in time, it is recommended that you return it no later than the Friday before the election. Postage is not required for returning your ballot by mail.

Voters who need additional assistance completing their ballot can also go to one of the county's six voting centers. Face coverings are required at the centers. Voters with disabilities can also use the county's online ballot marking program to mark their ballot on a computer, print it out and mail it back or return to a drop box.

Cast ballots are sealed in plastic containers as they are collected outside Schmitz Hall at University of Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016.
Cast ballots are sealed in plastic containers as they are collected outside Schmitz Hall at University of Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016.GRANT HINDSLEY/SEATTLEPI.COM

When are ballots due?

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Here are the rundown of dates to remember:

Oct. 14: Ballot drop boxes in King County open.

Oct. 18: All voters should receive ballots by mail.

Oct. 25: Last day to register online or by mail.

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Nov. 2: Election Day. Ballots must be postmarked or turned into ballot drop boxes by 8 p.m. Last day to vote in person at a county vote center.

What if I didn't get my ballot?

If you are a registered voter in the county and did not receive your ballot in the mail by Oct. 18, call King County Elections at 206-296-8683.

How can I track my ballot?

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View your registration information and track your ballot here.

Callie is a web producer for the SeattlePI focusing on local politics, transportation, real estate and restaurants. She previously worked at a craft beer e-commerce company and loves exploring Seattle's breweries. Her writing has been featured in Seattle magazine and the Seattle University Spectator, where she served as a student journalist.