February 10 Special Election begins in 38 Washington Counties

(OLYMPIA)– Washington counties participating in the Feb. 10 Special Election have officially mailed ballots to eligible voters. The 18-day voting period began on Friday, Jan. 23, according to a news release from Office of the Secretary of State.

Approximately 49% of voters statewide will be eligible to vote in the election. The special election will include 213 total measures covering school districts, fire districts, park districts, and other local districts. Clallam County is the only county not participating in the February Special Election.

This election marks the debut of the new election results page. The new election results page will still be linked to the Office of the Secretary of State Elections website, but the website display will be easier to navigate for voters and county election officials. Voters will be able to access the new page through the Elections website and the OSOS home page on Election Day.

Voters participating in the election must return their ballots by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10. Ballots can be returned by mail, placed in an official county drop box, or returned in person at a county elections office or voting center.

U.S. Postal Service recommends mailing your ballot at least a week before Election Day to ensure it is postmarked on time. Under recent USPS postmark rule changes, ballots may not be guaranteed a postmark on the day of collection. If you need to return a ballot by mail close to Election Day, you can bring it into your local post office and ask a USPS employee to hand-stamp the postmark on it.

“Voters have the opportunity to make their mark this election by voting on measures that directly impact their communities, including schools and fire districts,” Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said. “My office is proud to work with and support county elections officials across the state. Their dedication ensures local elections are conducted fairly, accurately, and securely.”

Eligible individuals still have time to register to vote in the February Special Election. Mail-in and online registrations and updates must be received by Monday, Feb. 2. Voters may also register or update their registration in person at their county elections office until 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Voters can verify their registration is up to date and check their ballot status by signing in at VoteWA.gov. If you have questions about your registration or ballot, contact your county elections office.

Voters can also sign up for text message notifications about their ballot online at VoteWA.gov or by texting “VOTE” to 868392.