Election Day 2021 In Pierce County: Ballots Due Tuesday

TACOMA, WA — Tuesday, Nov. 2, is Election Day in Pierce County, and all general election ballots are due by 8 p.m. sharp.

According to state election data, voters across Washington have already turned in nearly 1.3 million ballots, but many more are expected to be turned in and tallied as the day marches on. Ultimately, the Pierce County Auditor's Office says it expects 39 percent of the county's 555,000 registered voters to cast their ballot this election.

This year's election contains a number of high-profile races in Pierce County, determining who will be the next mayor in Tacoma, Buckley, Gig Harbor, Sumner, Bonney Lake, and Eatonville, who will fill two Port of Tacoma Commissioner positions, and who will hold nearly two dozen city council positions, including in Lakewood, Gig Harbor and Puyallup.

Voters in East Pierce County, including in Sumner and Bonney Lake, have also been asked to approve a levy lid lift to help support East Pierce Fire & Rescue, and six school districts — Puyallup, University Place, Dieringer, Clover Park, Peninsula, Bethel, and Eatonville — had candidates on the ballot.

Meanwhile, Puyallup voters have a proposition of their own: an $82 million public safety building that would house a new police HQ, jail and court.

There is still time for last-minute voters to make their voice heard, but officials caution against relying on mailboxes Tuesday, as Friday was the last day recommended to mail ballots to ensure an on-time postmark. However, all 46 of the county's drop boxes remain open for the last day of voting and will accept ballots until polls close at 8 p.m. Tuesday. Residents also have the option to visit the Pierce County Election Center, which can also register new voters and provide replacement ballots up to the last minute.

After polls close at 8, the Pierce County Auditor's Office will publish the first round of results online within 15 minutes. With so many last-minute ballots, it's likely that some vote tallies will change significantly throughout the week. Updated results will be posted each day by 4 p.m.

Here are a few helpful links to make sure your voice is heard:

• Find your nearest dropbox.
• Check your voter registration to see if it is up-to-date.
• Learn more about candidates and ballot propositions.
• Read the State and Local Voters' Pamphlet