EVERETT — On Thursday, more than 500,000 ballots were mailed to Snohomish County residents. Now, fewer than 20 days remain to vote in this year’s primary election.
The ballot is a long one. Voters will decide on races at the national, state and local level.
Ballots are due Aug. 6.
All nine of the state’s elected positions are up for grabs, including governor, attorney General and secretary of state.
Voters will choose seats in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.
In the 2nd Congressional District, spanning from Everett to the Canadian border, 13-term incumbent Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Everett, faces seven opponents to his left and right on the political spectrum.
All seats in the state House of Representatives are up for election. Four state Senate seats in Snohomish County are on the ballot.
In the 21st District, Edmonds, Lynnwood and Mukilteo voters will decide to retain long-time Democrat incumbent Rep. Strom Peterson, or choose former Mukilteo City Council member Riaz Khan, who joined the Republican party days before filing for election in May. Current Mukilteo City Council member Jason Moon is also running as a Democrat in pursuit of Peterson’s seat.
In the 10th district, Democrat and first-term Rep. Clyde Shavers faces two Republican challengers. When he was first elected, he flipped the seat by just 211 votes. The 10th district represents voters in Island County, Arlington and Stanwood.
In the same area, Republican Sen. Ron Muzzall faces Island County Commissioner Janet St. Clair and Navy Veteran Denny Sandberg, both Democrats.
The top two vote-getters in each race will advance to November’s general election, regardless of party.
On the local level, most residents will weigh the question of property tax increases.
Everett residents will vote on a city property tax increase to fund “quality of life and essential public services,” according to the local voters’ pamphlet.
Most voters outside of Everett will vote to expand the Port of Everett’s boundaries to include nearly the entire county. Approval would come with port property taxes for residents in the new boundary.
County Auditor Garth Fell expects an overall turnout of about 45% for the primary.
With presidential candidates on the ballot, the turnout rate could be much higher in November. In 2020, Snohomish County saw an overall voter turnout of 85% for the general election.
Also in the mail is a copy of the local voters’ pamphlet, giving voters the chance to read about each candidate’s platform in their own words.
Spanish versions of election materials are available on the Auditor’s website, including a sample ballot.
Voters can return their ballots by mail, in-person or by one of the ballot drop boxes spread across the county.
Residents can register to vote online or by mail by July 29. Election day is the last day for residents to register to vote in-person at the Auditor’s Office.
Jenelle Baumbach: 360-352-8623; jenelle.baumbach@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @jenelleclar.
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