Washington state is rolling out its new voter registration system, VoteWa, for Tuesday’s primary election.

Washington state is rolling out its new voter registration system, VoteWa, for Tuesday’s primary election.

Not registered? You can still vote in the primary election

Same-day registration allows a person to cast a vote in some of the 28 local races.

EVERETT — The more than 470,000 registered voters in Snohomish County have until 8 p.m. Tuesday to make their voices heard in the 2019 primary election.

Roughly a quarter of all voters are expected to cast ballots in an election that will whittle down candidates in races for 28 local offices and decide the fate of eight local measures. The top two candidates will advance to the Nov. 5 general election.

Snohomish County Elections Manager Garth Fell said Friday that the county is estimating between 25% and 28% voter participation in Tuesday’s primary. Forecasts are based on historical data, general interest in the election and an increasing intrigue from voters as the 2020 election nears.

“This is on par with a normal odd-year primary election,” Fell said.

Two years ago, in 2017, voter participation was 24% and in 2015 it was 23%.

As of Friday, 11.8% of all ballots — more than 56,000 — had been returned, according to the county’s returned ballot statistics. The city of Edmonds had the highest rate of returned ballots at 16%.

Pivotal contests in the primary election include a spot representing District 2 on the Snohomish County Council with eight candidates in the race, District 3 on the county council, four hopefuls vying for Edmonds Mayor, four open council seats in Mukilteo with a primary for each one, five candidates running for Marysville City Council and numerous more.

Six fire districts are asking voters for tax levies and Lake Stevens Fire District 8 is requesting approval of a merger with Snohomish County Fire District 7.

For the first time, a person can go into the Snohomish County Auditor’s Office, 3000 Rockefeller, or the Lynnwood Sno-Isle Library, 19200 44th Ave W, until 8 p.m. on Tuesday to register to vote, get a ballot and cast it. Same-day registration is the result of a law enacted in 2018.

Today, the county auditor’s office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. while the Lynnwood Library is registering voters from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. On election day, the Auditor’s Office will open at 10 a.m. and the Lynnwood location will open at 8 a.m.

A new statewide voter registration and election management system, VoteWA, is also making its debut. Using the site, voters can view their registration status and even download their ballot.

If a voter has yet to receive their ballot, they are encouraged to contact the Elections Office, 425-388-3444, for assistance.

Primary ballots must be returned or postmarked no later than Tuesday. Voters can either mail their ballots back, no stamp required, or place them in one of the county’s 19 designated drop boxes, which will be open until 8 p.m. Aug. 6.

Ian Davis-Leonard: 425-339-3449; idavisleonard@heraldnet.com. Twitter: IanDavisLeonard.

Talk to us

More in Local News

Brenda Mann Harrison
Encounters with a tow truck driver and a dentist

The value of local journalism shows up in unexpected conversations.

Logo for news use featuring Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
It’s National Kidney Month, a good time for screening

Knowing your risk and following treatment are key. When kidney damage requires dialysis, mortality rates are high.

NO CAPTION NECESSARY: Logo for the Cornfield Report by Jerry Cornfield. 20200112
A buffet of budgets, a bunch of whales and a request for your miles

It’s Day 78. Here’s what’s happening in the 2023 session of the Washington Legislature

Logo for news use, for stories regarding Washington state government — Olympia, the Legislature and state agencies. No caption necessary. 20220331
Supreme Court rules state’s new capital gains tax is legal

The 7-2 ruling clears the way for collection of payments starting next month. The tax is expected to bring in $500 million a year.

Hikers make their way along the Heybrook Ridge Trail on Friday, March 18, 2023, in Index, Washington. (Kayla Dunn / The Herald).
‘It took my breath away’: Lace up your hiking boots because spring is here

Heybrook Ridge Trail packs stunning views and a moss-covered forest in a 3.3 mile round-trip package.

Everett
Drop off hard-to-recycle items in Everett for Earth Month

People can bring old appliances, electronics, mattresses and more to the cash-only event Saturday, April 1 at Everett Station.

Angelica Montanari and daughter Makena, 1, outside of the Community Health Center of Snohomish County Everett-Central Clinic on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Providers at Community Health Center of Snohomish County vote to form a union

Providers expressed hope for improving patient care and making their voices heard with management.

Granite Falls
Two suspects charged in motorhome shooting near Granite Falls

Bail was set at $2 million for each of the suspects, Dillon Thomas, 28 and David Koeppen, 37.

Steve Klein moves some of his glasswork into place as fellow guest curator Meg Holgate watches during installation of A Precarious Edge at Schack Art Center on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Exhibits shine light on natural beauty on the edge of loss

Artists worried about climate change work ‘for future generations’

Most Read