King County on pace to reach 35% turnout in Aug. 1 primary

Election officials expect approximately just one in three registered King County voters to cast ballots in Tuesday's primary.

That's low but not unusual for an odd-numbered election year, said Halei Watkins, a communications manager with King County Elections.

"In 2021 and 2019, both of those primaries hit 35% turnout, or right around there as well," she said. "So, we expect to see similar behavior from our voters today but, of course, would love for them to turn out in higher numbers and break through that 35%."

Voters have until 8 p.m. on Tuesday to get their ballots into drop boxes or postmarked.

Watkins encouraged voters to get their ballots in sooner rather than later, though. Even the best-laid Election Day plans can go awry.

"We never want to see folks hit that red light or get stuck in traffic and that be the reason that they can't get their ballot in," she said. "On Election Day, as well, we don't recommend that you just stick it in your mailbox. It does have to have that on-time postmark. So, if you're going to use the mail today, actually walk it into a post office to get that all-important postmark on there."

Voters can also register to vote in person at local elections center until 8 p.m. And if you've misplaced your ballot, you can print a copy online.

Today's elections will determine which city and county council candidates make it to the November General Election, as well as school board hopefuls and more.

Forty-five candidates are competing for seven Seattle City Council seats. And with four incumbents sitting out this election, the Council is guaranteed to have a few new faces following the general.

Two King County Council seats are on the primary ballot. Four seats are actually up for election, but no one is challenging Councilmembers Claudia Balducci and Girmay Zahilay, who therefore are not on the primary ballot and will appear unopposed in November.

The Seattle School Board has four seats available.

The top two vote-getters in each race will advance to the General Election.

Voters are also being asked whether to renew the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy, a property tax levy of 10 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. It funds job training, housing, senior centers and among other things. If approved, the levy would be extended for another six years.