Ballots Mailed For Pierce County's April Election

PIERCE COUNTY, WA — The Pierce County Auditor's Office mailed out ballots for the county's April election Friday, but only a small portion of the county's residents will actually be able to vote this time.

That's because the only thing on this ballot: two levies for the Bethel School District.

The first, proposition 1, replaces an expiring levy by creating a new, four-year levy to pay for educational programs and operations. It would cost homeowners about $2.17 per $1,000 of assessed value, raising about $40,900,000 next year— enough to provide about 14 percent of the district's general fund budget, according to the proposition.

The second, proposition 2, also replaces an existing levy, but pays for school technology improvements like upgrading computers and replacing outdated hardware. It's also cheaper, at $0.31 per $1,000 of a home's assessed value.

Just 74,704 registered voters will receive ballots this election— not many considering that roughly 550,000 Pierce County voters received ballots in the 2020 election. Of those 74,704 voters, about 30 are expected to actually cast their vote, the Auditor's Office said.

Key dates from Pierce County Elections:

• April 8: Ballots mailed to registered voters. Pierce County Election Center opens.
• April 13: Voters should have their ballot by this date.
• April 18: Online and mail voter registration deadline.
• April 26: Election Day. Ballots must be postmarked by this date and drop boxes close promptly at 8 p.m.

In Washington, those who still need to register to vote or update their information can do so online or by mail through April 18. After that date, registration can only be done in-person at a designated Voting Center until 8 p.m. on Election Day.

If you are registered and within the school district's levy, but didn't receive a ballot, you can request a replacement by calling 253-798-VOTE (8683) or emailing the auditor's office.

Helpful links for Pierce County voters:

• Register to vote or update registration online
• Find the nearest drop box location
• Read county's voters pamphlet
• Request a ballot replacement