MYNORTHWEST POLITICS

WA counties begin mailing general election ballots

Oct 15, 2025, 5:15 PM

Photo: With nine days until the election, Washington ballot returns are coming in at a slower pace ...

Washington ballots await being counted. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)

(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)

General Election Day is November 4, and King County Elections (KCE) has officially mailed out more than 1.4 million ballots to registered voters across the county. Officials expect a 45% turnout this year.

Statewide, ballots need to be mailed by October 17, as required by state law — 18 days before Election Day. Eligible military and overseas voters received their ballots even earlier, by September 20.

If you’re registered to vote, your ballot is mailed automatically — no need to request one.

Key deadlines before General Election Day

Ballots must be postmarked by November 4 or returned to an official drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day. If mailing your ballot, the United States Postal Service recommends sending it by October 28.

Need to register or update your address? The deadline to do so online is October 27 at VoteWA.gov. Voters can also register and vote in person at county voting centers through 8 p.m. on Election Day.

This year’s ballot includes a statewide constitutional amendment that would allow the state to invest funds from long-term services and supports accounts. Depending on your precinct, you may also vote on state legislative races, judicial positions, and local measures such as levies and bonds.

To see what’s on your ballot, visit VoteWA.gov for a customized voter guide.

Read more of Aaron Granillo’s stories here.

MyNorthwest Politics

Kshama Sawant...

Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin Show

‘I don’t like Kshama Sawant’: Gee asks ‘are we done now?’ as Sawant finishes distant third

KIRO hosts Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin were relieved to see Kshama Sawant, who served on the Seattle City Council, finish in third place.

17 hours ago

katie wilson seattle primary...

Luke Duecy

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson-backed progressive candidates fall short in Washington primary races

Two progressive candidates endorsed by Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson were defeated Tuesday in Washington's primary election.

22 hours ago

mckinney duresky Congressional District 4...

Frank Sumrall

Trump-endorsed McKinney, Democrat Duresky advance in WA-4 primary to replace Newhouse

Republican Amanda McKinney and Democrat John Duresky are set to advance to the November general election for the recently vacated Washington Congressional District 4 seat.

1 day ago

adam smith doug basler sawant...

Frank Sumrall

Adam Smith, Doug Basler to face off for sixth time in WA-9 race, Sawant comes up short in primary

Democrat incumbent Adam Smith and Republican challenger Doug Basler will advance to the November election to represent Washington's 9th Congressional District.

1 day ago

Marie Gluesenkamp Pérez john braun primary...

Frank Sumrall

Marie Gluesenkamp Pérez edges John Braun by 263 votes in WA-3 primary

Democrat incumbent Marie Gluesenkamp Pérez and Republican challenger John Braun will face off for Washington's District 3 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives following results from the 2026 primary election.

1 day ago

Sheriff (KSO) King County...

James Lynch

‘We are building safer communities’: King County receives $15M grant to strengthen crisis response, prevent gun violence

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay announced Tuesday that King County received a $15 million grant.

2 days ago

WA counties begin mailing general election ballots