Millions of voters in Washington and Oregon — the easiest states to vote in, according to a recent national study — will soon be receiving their general election ballots in the mail courtesy of the United States Postal Service.
Election officials in Washington’s thirty-nine counties and Oregon’s thirty-six counties have prepared ballots for over 7.7 million eligible voters to cast. Washington had 4,760,301 voters on the rolls as of October 1st, while Oregon had 2,976,195 voters on the rolls as of October 5th.
Once filled out, ballots can be returned to either a drop box or a post office. If a ballot is postmarked as of Election Day, it will count in either state.
The Pacific Northwest’s other state, Idaho, does not have universal vote-at-home, but Idahoans are allowed to cast absentee ballots. “If you plan to vote using an absentee ballot, your application must be received by 5:00 PM eleven days prior to the desired election,” the Idaho Secretary of State advises.
King County, the region’s largest county by population, announced this week the availability of a new tool voters can use to track their ballots: text and email alerts. “Voters can now opt in to receive text or email notifications as their ballot is processed, making it even easier to know that their vote counted,” King County Elections explains. “Ballot alerts will also let voters know if there is an issue with their signature that they need to resolve before their vote can be counted.”
“Alerts are available in English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese.”
This is very welcome news and will hopefully be embraced by other jurisdictions.
“This team at Elections is made up of dedicated professionals who go above and beyond to not only meet the letter of the law, but to go the extra mile for our voters,” said Elections Director Julie Wise in a statement.
“We are your neighbors, friends, relatives. We are extensively trained and deeply experienced in running vote-by-mail elections. We are ready for this midterm election and ready for our voters to make their voices heard.”
“King County Elections is one of the best in the business at ensuring the security of every vote, from the moment you get your ballot in the mail or a drop box, to the day it’s received and processed,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “Thanks to Director Wise and her team, your vote and our elections are secure. Our democracy is only as strong as our voices in it – so let’s make sure every voice in King County is heard in November.”
Washington and Oregon both have U.S. Senate races this year and multiple very competitive House races. Washington’s 3rd and 8th Districts and Oregon’s 5th and 6th Districts all look very close and could be won by either major party.
There are other statewide races, too. Washington has a special election for Secretary of State this year due to the resignation of Kim Wyman, while Oregon and Idaho have gubernatorial elections. Idaho will also be electing a new Attorney General following the ouster of Lawrence Wasden.
A number of statewide ballot measures are on the ballot this year in Oregon. NPI is urging a yes vote on each of the constitutional amendments and initiatives:
- Measure 111 (making healthcare a right): Yes
- Measure 112 (ending modern day slavery): Yes
- Measure 113 (end right wing walkouts): Yes
- Measure 114 (gun safety): Yes
In Washington State, there are no initiatives, referenda, or constitutional amendments… just propaganda items drafted by Tim Eyman that take the form of “advisory votes.” We urge everyone to vote “Maintained” on these items and take heart that we are committed to getting them repealed with our legislative champions, including Senator Patty Kuderer and Senator Sam Hunt.
At the local level, there are several important measures on this year’s ballot, including one conceived here at NPI: King County Charter Amendment 1. This proposed change to the county’s plan of government, which has no organized opposition, would move elections for twelve positions currently elected in odd years to even years, when turnout is much higher and more diverse.
The campaign to pass the amendment has been smooth and rewarding, and we’re overjoyed that so many people and organizations have responded positively to this opportunity to simplify our elections and strengthen our democracy.
We have recommendations on many additional local ballot measures published on our Advocacy page for easy reference. Here’s a complete list of our Washington State ballot measure endorsements, plus guidance for Eyman’s garbage:
- Statewide — Tim Eyman’s propaganda items
- “Advisory Vote” 38: Vote Maintained
- “Advisory Vote” 39: Vote Maintained
- King County
- Clark County
- Charter Amendment 10 (ranked choice voting): Vote Yes
- San Juan County
- Charter Amendment Proposition 3 (ranked choice voting): Vote Yes
- Seattle
- Proposition 1A & 1B, Part 1: Vote Yes
- Proposition 1A vs. 1B, Part 2: Vote for Proposition 1B (ranked choice voting)
- Other jurisdictions
- Bellevue Proposition 1 (parks levy): Vote Yes
- Clyde Hill Proposition 1 (abandoning strong mayor system): Vote No
- Mercer Island Proposition 1 (parks levy): Vote Yes
- Redmond Proposition 1 (public safety levy): Vote Yes
- Shoreline Proposition 1 (public safety levy): Vote Yes
- Tukwila Initiative 1 (raise the minimum wage): Vote Yes
- Highline Schools Proposition 1 (school bonds): Vote Yes
- Renton Schools Proposition 1 (school bonds): Vote Yes
NPI does not offer guidance in candidate elections because we do not endorse candidates or engage in electioneering for or against any candidate. However, we urge you to vote for each of the offices on your ballot. The results of these elections will determine who represents you at every level of government. Ensure that your voice is heard by making plan to vote by November 8th, 2022 at 8 PM!
