It’s primary election day — here’s what you need to know
Aug 5, 2025, 10:21 AM | Updated: 12:00 pm
Washington ballots await being counted. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
It’s Primary Election Day in Washington, and voters across the state are helping shape the races that will define November.
From city council to county executive, crowded fields will be narrowed to two contenders in each race.
It’s not the most popular ballot of the year, according to Halei Watkins with King County Elections. But in many ways, it may be the most important. The candidates on today’s ballot will help decide how tax dollars are spent — on roads, transportation, parks, and schools.
One of the more closely watched contests is for Seattle mayor. A recent public poll shows a statistical tie between incumbent Bruce Harrell and challenger Katie Wilson.
KIRO Newsradio and Seattle Red conducted interviews with many of the Seattle mayoral candidates: Katie Wilson, incumbent Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, Joe Mallahan, Ry Armstrong, Joe Molloy, Thaddeus Whelan, and Clinton Bliss.
Find primary election results
Primary election results will be available on the Washington Secretary of State’s website, here.
For a full list of candidates and measures in each county, go here.
More on the primary election
Ballots must be postmarked or dropped off by 8 p.m. Tuesday. The results for the primary election in Washington will be released on August 5 around 8 p.m.
The two candidates with the most votes will advance to the general election and appear on the ballot in November.
Two Washington counties are not participating: Garfield County and Columbia County, Stuart Holmes, director of elections for the Washington Secretary of State, told KIRO Newsradio.
Results will be certified by each county on August 19. The Secretary of State will certify the final results by August 22.
The Secretary of State noted all results posted before certification are unofficial.
