Pierce County Special Election: Ballots Due Tuesday

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

According to state election data, voters across Washington have already turned in nearly 600,000 ballots in to drop boxes across the state, but many more are expected to be turned in and tallied as the day marches on. Locally, the Pierce County Auditor's Office says it expects 35 percent of the county's 409,000 registered voters to cast their ballot this election.

Though perhaps not as a high-profile as the general election last fall, the special election has Pierce County residents considering a number of important proposals, like Puyallup's public safety ordinance, and dozens of school district levies in Steilacoom, University Place, Bethel, White River and more.

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, 36 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.

Check out the map below, courtesy of the Pierce County Auditor's Office, to find an open drop box near you. (Note that the 10 grayed out boxes are closed, as they are in areas that are not participating in the special election.)

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. The vote will then be audited for accuracy Thursday, before it is certified Feb. 18.

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

• Check your voter registration to see if it is up-to-date.
• Learn more about the election from the Auditor's Election At-a-Glance.
• Read the Local Voters' Pamphlet