SNOHOMISH COUNTY—With Election Day approaching on Tuesday, November 3, election officials urge voters to be especially mindful of timing when deciding how to return their ballots. Voters are strongly encouraged to return their ballots using one of the county’s 38 official ballot drop boxes during the final week before Election Day to ensure their ballot is received on time.
“With only one week left until Election Day, we strongly encourage voters to return their ballot using an official county-operated ballot drop box rather than mailing it,” said Snohomish County Auditor Garth Fell. “Using an official ballot drop box is the best way to make sure your ballot is received on time.”
Recent changes to U.S. Postal Service mail processing procedures may affect how quickly mailed ballots are postmarked and delivered. Ballots must have a postmark dated November 3 or earlier. Using an official ballot drop box remains the most direct and reliable way to return a ballot and avoid any potential postal delays.
There are 38 official ballot drop boxes open across Snohomish County for the November 3 General Election. Ballot drop boxes are available 24 hours a day until 8 p.m. on Election Day, providing a convenient option for voters to return their completed ballots. A complete list of official ballot drop box locations is available online at snoco.gov/elections and in the voters’ pamphlet.
Voters who are unable to access an official ballot drop box are encouraged to visit a local post office to request a free, hand-stamped postmark from a postal clerk when mailing their ballot. This additional step ensures their ballot receives a postmark dated by the November 3 deadline. Voters are encouraged to check their local post office hours of operation in advance to plan their visit.
In-person voter registration and other voter services will be available at the Auditor’s Office in Everett and at accessible voter services locations in Lynnwood, Monroe, and Arlington this Saturday, October 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For voters with disabilities, Snohomish County Elections will have accessible voting equipment available at all in-person locations.
In-person voter services will also be available on Monday, November 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesday, Election Day, November 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Hours of operation and addresses of in-person voter services locations are listed in the local voters’ pamphlet and on the county’s website.
Voters are encouraged to visit VoteWA.gov to track their ballot’s status and confirm that it has been received, verified, and accepted, and to check for any issues with their signature that may require their attention. Voters can also sign up for ballot text alerts to be notified when their ballot completes each step of the process. If an issue with their ballot signature arises, voters who have signed up for text alerts will receive a text explaining the issue and how to resolve it.
For more information, visit Snohomish County Elections’ website at snoco.gov/elections. You can also connect with the Auditor’s Office on Facebook, Instagram, and X. If you have additional questions, please email Snohomish County Elections at elections@snoco.gov.
Source: Snohomish County Elections
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
