Fewer ballot drop-off locations for Nov. 3 general election
The number of ballot collection centers has been reduced to five staffed locations and one 24-hour ballot drop box. These are ballot drop off locations, not, polling precincts.
Snohomish County adopted a mail-in ballot system last year.
The five collection centers are located at five Sno-Isle libraries — in Marysville, Snohomish, Lynnwood, Mill Creek and Mukilteo.
The 24-hour ballot drop box is located on the Snohomish County campus at the corner of Rockefeller Avenue and Wall Street in Everett. Ballots can be deposited into this secure box until 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3.
In addition to a reduction in the number of dropoff locations, days of operation for the staff sites have been scaled back to the day before and Election Day. Voters can mail their ballot through the U.S. postal system.
The reduction in community collection centers and their days of operation is the result of budget cuts in the auditor’s office. These reductions are anticipated to save Snohomish County more than $100,000 this year.
“This was a difficult decision to make. We know that our voters appreciate the ability to return their ballots directly to auditor’s office staff at our community collection centers. However it was necessary to make reductions to this program to ensure that the county can maintain other important services for its citizens during these tight budget times,” said County Auditor Carolyn Weikel.
Voters that choose to return their completed ballot through the mail must ensure that it is postmarked no later than Nov. 3.
Voters may return their ballot postage free to any one of the five collection centers located throughout the county, through the 24-hour ballot drop box or to the Snohomish County Auditor’s Office.
Completed ballots will only be accepted during the days and hours listed. Staff at the sites cannot accept ballots outside of these days and hours.
More information is listed on an insert delivered with each ballot and can also be found in the local Voters’ Pamphlet.
This is the second year that Snohomish County is conducting its elections by mail, with no official polling precincts. All voters will be mailed a ballot to their current residential or mailing address beginning Oct. 15.
The five community collection centers will accept completed ballots the day before the election, Monday, Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Snohomish County Elections will have accessible voting equipment designed for voters with disabilities available in the auditor’s office Oct. 14 through Nov. 3 and at the Lynnwood Sno-Isle Library Nov. 2 and 3
Snohomish County Auditor’s Office is located on the first floor of the Snohomish County Administration Building, 3000 Rockefeller Avenue, Everett. The office is open to the public Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The office will have extended hours on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
First time voters wanting to vote in this election may register in person at the Snohomish County Auditor’s Office through Monday, Oct. 26.
In order to register to vote in the state of Washington, a person must:
• Be a citizen of the United States;
• Have lived in Washington State for at least 30 days;
• Be at least 18 years old by Election Day; and
• Have had their voting rights restored if they were ever convicted of a felony.
Voters may check their registration status online at www.vote.wa.gov.
If you are currently registered as an active voter, you do not need to register again.
Snohomish County Elections
may be reached at
425-388-3444.
