Voters with absentee ballots need to follow three basic steps, then mail or turn in the ballot by 8 p.m. Tuesday for it to be counted.
Step 1: Pick your party. That is the first question on the ballot.
Step 2: Vote for candidates in that party only. Each ballot is arranged with Democrats (red), followed by Republicans (green), then Libertarians (blue).
Step 3: Turn the ballot over and vote in the nonpartisan races and local measures.
Important note: Skip immediately to Step 3 if you don’t want to choose one of the three major parties. Your votes still count on nonpartisan races and ballot measures.
If you vote in person, follow the same steps on touch-screen electronic machines in the polling place. You will be asked to pick a party. After making that choice, only candidates for that party will appear for each race.
If you don’t want to select a party, there is a prompt that will take you to the nonpartisan portion of the ballot.
Primary Q&A
Some voters remain confused by the change in the primary. Here are a few frequently asked questions and the answers from election officials.
Q: Will anyone know which party I choose? Is my selection recorded and kept on file with the county?
A: No.
Q: If I pick a party then vote for a candidate of another party in one race, will my ballot be thrown out.
A: No. The ballot is valid, but that vote won’t be counted.
Q: What happens if I don’t pick a party but still vote in all the races?
A: Your votes in partisan contests will not be counted. Your votes for all nonpartisan races and local measures will be counted.
Q: What happens if I forget to pick a party?
A: In the polling places, the touch-screen machine will not advance until you either choose a party or make a selection to go directly to the nonpartisan races and local measures.
Q: What if I don’t want to pick a party?
A: You don’t have to. You can still vote on the issues and in the races for which political party is not a factor.
Q: Do we have to vote like this in November?
A: No. The changes apply only to primary elections. The process for the general election will be like they have been in the past.
Q: Where do I vote?
Many polling places have changed. If you are not sure where to go, call 425-388-3444 or go to www1.co. snohomish.wa.us/departments/ auditor.
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