EVERETT — Washington’s presidential primary is today as voters weigh in on who they want to see as the Democratic and Republican nominees in the national election next fall.
On the Democratic side, it’s come down to a duel between Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden. Of the 13 Democratic candidates on the ballot, they are the only two actively competing for the state’s cache of 89 delegates, 58 of which will be apportioned based on results within congressional districts.
Democratic voters also have the choice of “uncommitted delegates.” This option leaves the decision to an uncommitted delegate who will pick one candidate at the party’s national convention.
On the Republican side, President Donald Trump is the only name.
Tuesday’s results might not provide clarity as to who is the Democratic winner and how many delegates each candidate will collect. That’s because a large number of mailed-in ballots are typically tallied in the days following an election. It should be pretty certain by March 20, which is the deadline for county auditors to certify the election results.
Washington is one of six states conducting presidential primaries Tuesday. The others are Idaho, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri and North Dakota.
Ballots must be postmarked today or put in a drop box by 8 p.m. to be counted. They also can be dropped off at the Snohomish County auditor’s office in Everett from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
There are 26 drop boxes around Snohomish County, with the newest additions in Silvana, Brier and Lakewood. You can find addresses and a map showing all locations on the county election website at www.snoco.org/elections.
It is not too late to participate. As a result of a recent state law, individuals can register and vote on Election Day. You need to do it in person at the auditor’s office at 3000 Rockefeller Ave. in Everett, up until 8 p.m.
One thing to remember: 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 anyone of any party.
More information about today’s election can be found online at www.snoco.org/elections or by calling the county elections office at 425-388-3444.
Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623; jcornfield@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @dospueblos.
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