Voting officially begins in Washington state general election

Voting in the general election officially began Friday for the more than 4.9 million registered voters across Washington state, according to the Secretary of State’s office.

On Wednesday, the Lewis County Auditor’s Office mailed 55,475 ballots, which can take up to 10 days to arrive. Beginning Friday, the 544 official drop boxes and 67 voting centers across the state, administered by county election officials, will accept ballots.

If voters submit their ballots by mail, completed ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 5, and the United States Postal Service advises that voters mail their ballots one week before the election.

“The Office of the Secretary of State and our county election offices are dedicated to ensuring every election runs securely and transparently,” Assistant Secretary of State Kevin McMahan said in a statement. “This election is a chance for every eligible voter to help shape their community, and we are committed to making sure every voice is heard.”

This year's ballot will include four statewide initiatives, statewide elected offices, countywide positions, levies and the race for the presidency.

Registered voters should begin to see their ballots the week of Oct. 21 to Oct. 25. If a voter hasn’t received their ballot after 10 days, the auditor’s office recommends visiting votewa.gov and selecting “my ballot,” calling 360-740-1278 or visiting 351 NW North St., Chehalis. If a registered voter has moved, they can update their registration with either of the options.

Residents who wish to participate in the election but are not yet registered can do so through 8 p.m. on election day at county election offices and voting centers, or through votewa.gov by Oct. 28.

A regional edition of the state voters’ pamphlet has been delivered to every residence in Washington, and voters can visit votewa.gov to view a personalized voters’ guide, check their ballot status and find official drop box locations.

In response to a question submitted by a reader of The Chronicle, Lewis County Chief Deputy Auditor Tom Stanton said the local voter’s guide is not missing two pages, though it may appear so at first glance.

Due to the number of pages in the guide, several of the pages were saddle stitched in.

“We have asked people to look at the page numbering,” Stanton wrote in an email. “If you look, these strips are between pages 16 and 17. We do not have a page between 16 and 17.”