Here’s what you need to know about voting by mail and the Nov. 3 election in Pierce County
Interest in the Nov. 3 general election is reaching a fever pitch. So are concerns over voting by mail
In Washington state, vote by mail began in earnest in 2005 and has been the only way to vote since 2011.
Still, concerns and questions about the process remain.
The News Tribune spoke with Pierce County Auditor Julie Anderson and the U.S. Postal Service about what voters can expect and how they are handling the election this year.
Both are ready for the general election, they said.
“We’re doing exactly the same thing that we’ve done for every election for at least 10 years,” Anderson said.
“We’ve got quite a bit of experience with vote by mail in Washington and Pierce County,” said U.S. Postal service spokesman Ernie Swanson. “I think we’ve got a pretty efficient operation.”
When are ballots mailed?
More than 520,000 ballots headed for Pierce County residents will enter the U.S. Postal System on Friday, according to Anderson. That reflects all of the voters registered as of Oct. 14. Some voters, such as military personnel, already have their ballots.
How long will it take for my ballot to arrive?
One to three days — the standard first class processing time, according to Swanson. In addition, election mail is being given a priority by the U.S.P.S. Most voters should see their ballots on Saturday, he said. The rest should get them on Monday.
When can I return my ballot?
You can mark and return it as soon as you get it.
How do I return it?
Ballots can either be mailed or placed in secure and official Pierce County ballot drop-off boxes.
Where are the ballot drop-off boxes?
There are 46 drop-off boxes in Pierce County and the Auditor’s office said 95% of Pierce County addresses are within a 2-mile radius of one of them. An insert included with your ballot will show the locations of those boxes. A list of locations is also in the Pierce County Local Voters’ Pamphlet.
Should I put my ballot in the mail or in a box?
Anderson suggests using the mail if you vote early. If you vote in the week before the election, she recommends a drop-off box.
If I use the mail, do I need a stamp?
No.
Can I vote in person anywhere in Washington State?
No, Washington is an entirely vote by mail state.
How late can I drop off or mail my ballot?
You can use the drop-off boxes up to 8 p.m. on Nov. 3. If you mail your ballot, it must be postmarked by Election Day in order to be counted. Be sure to note the pickup time on the U.S.P.S. mailbox or slot you use if you mail your ballot on Nov. 3.
Are there any reports in Washington state of non-official drop off boxes like what is occurring in California?
No.
How can people with disabilities vote?
The auditor has special technology to help voters with disabilities privately read and mark their ballot.
How late can I register to vote for the Nov. 3 election?
You can register to vote online or by mail until eight days before the election. Or, you can register in person at the elections office through Election Day.
If registering by mail, you’ll need to print out the form from the internet. They come in more than 20 different languages. The form must be received eight or more days before the election.
In-person registration can be completed at the Pierce County elections office at 2501 S. 35th St. in Tacoma. The office is open 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
This story was originally published October 15, 2020 at 5:10 AM.
