The clock is ticking for Pierce County voters, who have until 8 p.m. tonight to return ballots in the special election. Drop boxes across the county will be sealed at 8 p.m., and the Pierce County Elections Center in Tacoma is keeping extended hours to accept last-minute voters. On the line are levy and replacement measures in ten local school districts that could shape staffing levels and classroom services.
County officials reminded voters in a news release that this special election includes measures in the Puyallup, Tacoma, University Place, Dieringer, Orting, Peninsula, Franklin Pierce, Bethel, White River and Fife school districts. The county also reiterated that ballots can be placed in official county drop boxes up until 8 p.m. tonight and urged voters who choose to mail ballots to send them early because of recent U.S. Postal Service changes, according to Pierce County.
Pierce County Elections posted on Facebook that 41 drop boxes are open for this election and that the Pierce County Elections Center in Tacoma will operate with extended hours until 8 p.m. tonight. Pierce County Elections on Facebook
Where to return your ballot
Ballot drop boxes open about 18 days before each election, are checked daily and stay available until 8 p.m. on election night. Voters can review the county’s text list and map of drop box locations and confirm which boxes are open for this special election on the county website, according to Pierce County.
Mailing, postmarks and in-person help
The Washington Secretary of State cautions that mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day to be counted and recommends taking ballots to the post office and asking a clerk to hand-stamp the postmark if you are mailing close to the deadline, according to the Washington Secretary of State. Voters who need to register, update their registration or get a replacement ballot can go to the Pierce County Elections Vote Center at 2501 S. 35th St. in Tacoma, where staff and accessible voting units are available, per Tacoma Public Schools.
Voters with questions can call Pierce County Elections at 253-798-8683 or check their ballot status at VoteWA.gov. County election staff will conduct routine post-election audits and begin canvassing after polls close, and results will be posted on county and state election pages in the days that follow.
