Presidential candidates turn their attention to Washington

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, March 4, 2020

We got next.

Washington’s presidential primary is March 10.

Ballots have been in voters’ hands for nearly two weeks. It’s time to think about getting them in. They can be placed postage-free in one of the county’s designated drop boxes until 8 p.m. on Election Day. If you mail it back, no stamp is needed. But the envelope must be postmarked no later than March 10 to be counted.

There are 13 Democratic candidates on the ballot though only four — U.S. Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, former vice president Joe Biden, and ex-New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg — were still actively competing Tuesday.

If you voted for someone else and they’ve dropped out, sorry. Once you return your ballot, you cannot change your vote.

Democratic voters could also choose “uncommitted delegates.” This option leaves the decision to an uncommitted delegate who will pick one candidate at the party’s national convention.

Donald Trump is the sole Republican candidate on the ballot.

Idaho, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri and North Dakota are also conducting primaries March 10.

One thing to remember in the Washington primary: In order for your vote to be counted, you must sign a party declaration on the ballot envelope and choose a candidate from that party. The presidential primary is the only election in Washington with this requirement. In the November general election you can vote for any one of any party.

As of Tuesday morning, 94,905 ballots had been returned in Snohomish County for a turnout of 19.5%. Statewide, nearly 835,000 ballots had been turned in.

It is not too late to participate. Individuals may register to vote in person at the auditor’s office, at 3000 Rockefeller Ave. in Everett, during regular business hours and up until 8 p.m. Election Day. And at the same time, you can get a ballot and vote.

If you need a replacement ballot or have other questions, contact the auditor’s office at 425-388-3444.

Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623; jcornfield@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @dospueblos