Election Day Is Near: Here Are Some Tips For Last-Minute Ballots In WA

WASHINGTON — The midterms are drawing to a close and Washington's 4.8 million registered voters have just a few days left to get their ballots in the mail or to their nearest drop boxes. To ensure ballots are postmarked by Election Day, officials recommend mailing ballots no later than Friday. After that, the safest bet is to visit one of the dozens of drop boxes located around the region.

Several federal, state and local offices are in play this year, including a close contest between Democratic Sen. Patty Murray and Republican challenger Tiffany Smiley. Another key race is in Washington's 8th District, where Democratic Rep. Kim Schrier is seeking a third term in the House against Republican challenger Matt Larkin, who is looking to flip the seat.

Voters will also decide whether to keep Democrat Steve Hobbs in the Secretary of State's office for another four years after he was appointed to replace longtime Republican incumbent Kim Wyman. Hobbs faces Pierce County Auditor Julie Anderson for the state's top elections job, who is running as a nonpartisan.

As of Wednesday, state data showed a little more than 25 percent of ballots marked as returned across the state. Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, Nov. 8, or returned to a vote center or drop box by 8 p.m.

Here are a few helpful resources for last-minute voting:

King County

• Learn more about this election's candidates and ballot measures.
• Make sure you're registered and learn where to return your ballot.
• Find an accessible voting center or 24-hour drop box.
• Track your ballot or get a new ballot.

Pierce County

• Online Voters' Guide
• Election At-A-Glance
• Drop Box Locations