Election Day In Pierce County: Primary Ballots Due Tuesday

TACOMA, WA — Tuesday, Aug. 3, is Election Day in Pierce County, and all primary ballots are due by 8 p.m. sharp.

According to state election data, less than 12 percent of the county's 566,000 registered voters had returned their ballots by Monday evening, but officials project voter turnout will hit around 25 percent by the time every ballot is counted. Despite a three-week voting window, elections officials expected that more than half of the primary ballots cast this year would be returned between Monday and Tuesday.

Of course, some cities will have more turnout than others. Nearly 20 percent of ballots mailed in the City of Gig Harbor have been received, and more than 52,000 ballots mailed to the Port of Tacoma region have been processed.

This primary Pierce County voters have been asked to weigh in on dozens of high-profile elections, including mayoral races in Tacoma, Eatonville, Buckley, and Bonney Lake. Nearly a dozen cities from Puyallup to Lakewood are holding city council elections, and six school districts — Puyallup, University Place, Dieringer, Clover Park, Peninsula, Bethel, and Eatonville — will have candidates on the ballot.

Voters will also have to consider four propositions, including two levies to support Pierce County Fire Protection District No. 16 and East Pierce Fire and Rescue.

There is still plenty of 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. on Aug. 3. 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