Published: Friday, October 17, 2008
IN OUR VIEW
Ballots are arriving; make your voice heard
With close races and pivotal issues to address, excitement is building for the Nov. 4 election. As voters begin receiving ballots in their mailboxes today, election officials are predicting perhaps the largest voter turnout, percentage-wise, in 60 years. And considering the state set a record for voter registrations -- more than 3.5 million people have signed up -- the total number of votes cast in Washington could reach an all-time high, too.
If you're eligible to vote but haven't registered, there's still time to do so -- in person at the Snohomish County Auditor's Office on the county campus in Everett (3000 Rockefeller Ave., 425-388-3444). Monday is the final day to register, and the Auditor's Office will be open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. today and Monday, and from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday.
It's worth a reminder, since the process is still relatively new, that Snohomish County is a vote-by-mail county. Traditional polling places no longer exist here, even in a presidential election. For voters who prefer to drop off their ballot at something like a traditional polling place, Community Collection Centers will be staffed during the final days before the election. Check the Voters' Pamphlet that you'll receive in the mail this week for sites and hours of operation.
The deadline to remember is Nov. 4. That's when your ballot needs to be postmarked if you mail it, or dropped off by 8 p.m. at a Community Collection Center.
For voters who need special assistance, electronic voting machines will be set up at libraries and other locations starting on Oct. 30. Again, check the Voters' Pamphlet for sites and hours.
This year's ballot is a long one, so take care to go over all of it. Besides the well-publicized presidential, congressional and gubernatorial races, a long list of state executive and legislative offices are on this fall's ballot, along with a county Superior Court race, a Snohomish County PUD Commission seat, three statewide initiatives and a hotly-debated regional transit measure. Some local municipalities have critical issues on the ballot, too.
A recap of endorsements made by The Herald's Editorial Board will appear on this page Sunday, and can be viewed at www.heraldnet.com/opinion.
Times are challenging, and the issues to be faced by those we elect will be tough. Don't let your voice be left out this year.
If you're eligible to vote but haven't registered, there's still time to do so -- in person at the Snohomish County Auditor's Office on the county campus in Everett (3000 Rockefeller Ave., 425-388-3444). Monday is the final day to register, and the Auditor's Office will be open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. today and Monday, and from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday.
It's worth a reminder, since the process is still relatively new, that Snohomish County is a vote-by-mail county. Traditional polling places no longer exist here, even in a presidential election. For voters who prefer to drop off their ballot at something like a traditional polling place, Community Collection Centers will be staffed during the final days before the election. Check the Voters' Pamphlet that you'll receive in the mail this week for sites and hours of operation.
The deadline to remember is Nov. 4. That's when your ballot needs to be postmarked if you mail it, or dropped off by 8 p.m. at a Community Collection Center.
For voters who need special assistance, electronic voting machines will be set up at libraries and other locations starting on Oct. 30. Again, check the Voters' Pamphlet for sites and hours.
This year's ballot is a long one, so take care to go over all of it. Besides the well-publicized presidential, congressional and gubernatorial races, a long list of state executive and legislative offices are on this fall's ballot, along with a county Superior Court race, a Snohomish County PUD Commission seat, three statewide initiatives and a hotly-debated regional transit measure. Some local municipalities have critical issues on the ballot, too.
A recap of endorsements made by The Herald's Editorial Board will appear on this page Sunday, and can be viewed at www.heraldnet.com/opinion.
Times are challenging, and the issues to be faced by those we elect will be tough. Don't let your voice be left out this year.
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