Ballots for Aug. 5 primary to be mailed Thursday

Snohomish County Elections will mail about 470,000 ballots for the August 5 primary starting Thursday. Voters can expect to receive their ballots by early next week, with local races and measures included on the ballot. Approximately 60,000 voters will not receive ballots due to the absence of races or measures in their districts. Auditor Garth Fell highlighted the critical role of local elections in determining community priorities. Changes to the ballot materials include a user-friendly pamphlet format and the removal of the ballot stub, which aims to streamline the voting process.

Voters have until July 28 to register or update their registration online or by mail. In-person services will be available until 8 p. m. on Election Day, August 5. There will be 35 official ballot drop boxes open 24 hours a day until the election deadline, and voters can also return ballots postage-free by mail.