Washington primary ballots will arrive soon

Ballots for Washington’s primary election will start arriving in mailboxes around the state this week.

County elections offices have begun the process of sending out ballots to the nearly 4.3 million registered voters in the state, who must return them by Aug. 7. For the first time since the state went to all-mail voting, voters in all 39 counties will have the postage covered if they choose to mail their ballot back. They can also deposit ballots in drop boxes set up in places selected by their county elections office.

The ballot includes candidates for Congress, the Legislature, county offices and judicial positions. Under the state’s top two system, the two candidates with the most votes advance to the general election, regardless of party preference.

The deadline for online or mail registration has passed. State residents who are eligible to vote but not yet registered can sign up in person through July 30 at their county elections office.