You might have noticed that your King County Voters’ Pamphlet feels a little extra meaty this go around. That’s because this primary election’s ballot includes candidates for 46 local offices and a few other pieces of legislation.
While that may seem like a lot, note you won’t have to make 46+ decisions since most of the positions are for local city council or commissioner positions, which may not be in your area.
Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 1, and you’ll need to make sure your mail-in ballots get postmarked by that day or slipped into one of many drop boxes around town.
Veterans, seniors, and human services levy
One broad ballot measure is a renewal of a levy that’s been in place since 2005. It affects homeowners since it operates similarly to a property tax.
If approved, the county would collect an additional $0.10 per $1,000 of property valuation and put the money toward funding services and facilities that benefit veterans, current service members, seniors + their caregivers, and other local communities.
The levy would begin January 1, and continue for at least six years, with a flexible rate that could increase every year by up to 3.5%.
Local offices
While there are 46 offices on the ballot this time, there will be more races on the general election ballot in November. Only positions that have more than two candidates are up for votes now, since this election is meant to help whittle down your choices.
Councilmember offices that are on the ballot include positions in nearby cities like Kirkland, Redmond, and Burien.
Here in Seattle, there are 45 councilmembers on the ballot for seven districts. You can learn more about each candidate online.
If you haven’t received a ballot yet, or lost yours, you can download a replacement at any time or visit an in-person booth on Tuesday, Aug. 1.
