General Election ballots starting to arrive in mail

Ballots for the November General Election were mailed on Oct. 17. Ballots will commence arriving in mailboxes between Oct. 19 and 22. Voters will have an opportunity to vote on several state ballot measures as well as races for federal, state, county and local offices.

The SOS Voters’ Pamphlets with the Island County Voters’ Guide insert were mailed last week to arrive ahead of the ballots. The Online Voters’ Guide is online at www.islandcountywa.gov/Auditor/Elections; select the Voters’ Guide icon for complete information.

“We are expecting significant interest in this midterm election, more people appear to be engaged this year,” Auditor Sheilah Crider said. “Island County voters have an opportunity to return their ballots using the prepaid postage envelopes or they may use any of the six ballot drop boxes in Island County. Voters are encouraged to return their ballots early to ensure they are postmarked by Election Day. Ballots postmarked after Election Day must be rejected by Canvass.”

No stamp is required for returning ballots by mail in the General Election. The Auditor has ballot drop boxes on Whidbey in Oak Harbor, Coupeville, Freeland, Langley, and Clinton; and on Camano at the Annex. For maps of ballot drop box locations, go to the Auditor’s Elections website.

Residents not currently registered in Washington can register in person at the Island County Auditor’s Elections Office, 400 N Main Street, Coupeville or the Camano Annex, Camano Island through Oct. 29.

Ballots must be returned to one of the county’s drop boxes by 8 p.m. on Nov. 6 or be postmarked no later than Election Day.