Ready or not, the first election under a new primary system is here. Many voters are still confused. What follows are answers in plain English.
Q: When I get a ballot, must I tell someone what party I want?
A: No. You will make the choice privately, at home if you vote absentee, or in the polling booth.
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 will not 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 such as governor, U.S. Senate and seats in the state Legislature will not be counted. Your votes for judges, other 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 a decision is made regarding the party. You can select “no party” and then vote only on nonpartisan races and local measures. If you have an absentee ballot and realize that you forgot to pick a party, you should contact the county elections office immediately.
Q: What if I don’t want to pick a party?
A: That’s fine, you don’t have to. You can still vote on the issues and in the races where political partisanship is not a factor. That would include races for the state Supreme Court, county Superior Court and local measures, such as the Mill Creek Library annexation. However, if you don’t pick a party and then cast a vote for someone running for governor, your vote for governor will not count.
Q: Where are the candidates for president?
A: The state canceled its presidential primary, so the candidates will appear only on the November ballot.
Q: How about the Green Party?
A: Under the law, only candidates from the major parties appear on the primary ballot. Minor parties hold nominating conventions, and their candidates will appear on the November ballot.
Q: Do we have to vote like this in November?
A: No. The changes apply only to primary elections. The process and ballots for the general election haven’t changed.
Q: Are the political parties paying for the election?
A: No.
Q: I’m still confused. Who can I call?
A: Snohomish County Auditor Bob Terwilliger, 425-388-3472; Election Manager Carolyn Diepenbrock, 425-388-3625; or go to www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/ departments/auditor.
This story first appeared in The Herald in Everett.
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