SEATTLE — Voter turnout is trending lower than the 2018 midterms, according to King County Elections.
The right to vote is built into the foundation of America.
“I came here in 1999 with my mom,” said Husna Hanga who came to Seattle when she was three. A week ago, on Halloween, she became a citizen.
“I’m rejuvenated by the fact that I can make an impact to the country as well,” said Hanga who, now at 25 years old is registering to vote for the first time.
“I’m so thankful and grateful that I can finally do what my peers can do that are citizens as well,” said Hanga.
So far though, fewer ballots have been returned than in the last midterm election cycle four years ago.
Elections officials are expecting the final turnout for King County to be at 72%, compared to 76% in 2018.
"So we're still thinking about 72% turnout here in King County is likely, but it will really just depend on how many people, especially use those ballot drop off locations on this later afternoon and evening," said King County Elections Director Julie Wise on the afternoon of election day.
King County Elections officials said they did see a higher number of people who waited until Election Day to register to vote and submit their ballot than in 2018.
Long lines were reported at Lumen Field where people were registering to vote. King County elections officials said they were having issues with WiFi at that location, which slowed some of the systems.
Counties will continue to count ballots over the coming days and have three weeks to certify their results
For now, the race is on to get ballots in, opened and processed. So that everyone who wants a voice, gets their chance to vote.