Countdown for WA Primary 2016!

Image

Washington’s state Primary voting period is winding down, with Top 2 slots on the line for all nine statewide offices, U.S. Senate, Legislature, courts and assorted local races. Although voters have been super-engaged in the national presidential contest, response to the state Primary has been tepid in the days leading up to the Tuesday deadline. As of the weekend, the 39 counties reported receiving 583,489 ballots, or 14.3 percent of the 4,092,951 issued. None were processed over the weekend. Here is the county-by-county. Secretary of State Kim Wyman urged voters to mark their ballots promptly and use a drop box if possible:

“Every voter has a stake in choices we make together about finalists for governor and other statewide officials, our closely-divided Legislature, the U.S. Senate and Congress, the courts and local races and issues. This is important work of self-government and we shouldn’t leave it to `the other guy.’”

The turnout in the two most recent presidential-year primaries averaged about 41 percent. It was 38.5 percent in 2012 and 42.6 percent in 2008. The online Voters’ Guide, covering statewide, federal, legislative and judicial races, is here. A great voter information lookup tool, including a customized ballot and drop box locator, is at www.myvote.wa.gov In Washington, voters are not confined to one party’s candidates and may choose a favorite for each office, without regard to party preference. The two most popular vote-getters will advance to the November ballot.