The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

OLYMPIA — With seven days to go until the Nov. 3 General Election, the Office of the Secretary of State is reminding voters to return their ballots as soon as possible.

Voters are encouraged to return their ballots by placing them in any of the nearly 500 ballot drop boxes statewide. Drop-box locations can be found by logging in to VoteWA.gov, as well as on the Secretary of State’s Office website.

Ballots may also be returned by U.S. mail—no postage required—but must be postmarked by Nov. 3 to qualify for the election. The U.S. Postal Service recommends voters return their ballots at least a week before Election Day. Voters can track their ballots and check their ballot status on VoteWA.gov.

“We encourage voters to cast their ballots as soon as possible—whether by drop box or U.S. mail—to ensure their votes count and their voices are heard,” said Assistant Secretary of State Mark Neary. “Voters who have not received a ballot should contact a county elections office right away to ensure their registration is up to date. For people who haven’t registered to vote but would like to participate in the General Election, there’s still time.”

Though Oct. 26 was the last day for online and mailed registrations or updates to be received, people can visit a county elections office to register in person. The deadline to register in person and receive a ballot in time to participate in the General Election is 8 p.m. on Election Day.

More election information, including important dates and deadlines, an online voter guide, and election data and statistics, is available at sos.wa.gov.