KING COUNTY, Wash. — King County Elections Department headquarters were packed and busy Monday with workers opening ballots and getting voters registered.
King County Elections Director Julie Wise said even Election Day isn't too late to secure the ability to vote.
"Here in Washington state, we have same-day registration, which means if folks are not registered for this election, they still have time to," Wise said. "Go into one of our vote centers- we have seven in King County- and make your voice heard."
To make sure ballots are in on time, King County voters should visit one of more than 80 ballot drop-boxes before 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5. It's not too late to vote by mail, but Wise encourages people to visit a US Postal Service office in person Tuesday if they choose to do so, to ensure the ballot is postmarked on Election Day or beforehand.
If voters haven't received or have misplaced their ballots, replacements are available.
"If you can't find your ballot, lost it, or never received it, there's still time for you," Wise said. "Jump online and print a replacement ballot, or come to one of our seven vote centers here in King County all the way from Kenmore down to Federal Way from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. tomorrow."
Replacement ballots can be downloaded and printed online here.
Finally, be sure to sign the outer envelope before submitting a ballot.
"The biggest mistake we see for voters completing their ballot is forgetting to sign that outer envelope," Wise said.
Wise said the elections office will contact voters whose envelopes aren't signed to ensure their ballots still count.
Washington voters can track the status of their ballot online to make sure it is received and counted. King County also has a ballot alerts system set up so voters can receive texts or emails about the status of their ballot and if there are any problems.