Reed predicts 38 percent turnout; now, do your part
Ballots are in the mail for the August 17 Primary Election.
Secretary of State Sam Reed, who is predicting a 38 percent voter turnout in August, urges voters to use their voice by taking part in the Primary.
“We have some exciting primary races for U.S. Senate and several congressional seats, including the 3rd District the 2nd District in Northwest Washington,” Reed said. “We also have lots of legislative, county and other local races on tap. Voting is easier and more convenient than ever. I hope people will take advantage by filling out their ballot at home and either mailing it back or delivering it to their county elections office or drop box.”
This year’s Primary features a hotly contested race for U.S. Senate featuring incumbent Democrat Patty Murray, former state Senator and two-time Republican gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi, Republican and Tea Party favorite Clint Didier, Republican Paul Akers and others.
There’s also a closely watched open race in Southwest Washington’s 3rd Congressional District featuring Democrat and TVW founder Denny Heck, Republican state Rep. Jaime Herrera, and Republican and former Bush administration official David Castillo, among others.
Reed reminds voters to study all of the voter information available to them, including local voters pamphlets in some areas, My Vote and online voters guides (here is our online guide), to learn more about the candidates and the issues before filling out their ballot.
Click here to see a list of candidates who have filed with the Office of Secretary of State. Go here to visit a county Web site to get more information about candidates listed on the Primary Election ballot.
If you are not registered to vote in Washington State but want to vote in the August 17 Primary, Monday, August 9 is the deadline for in-person registration at your county elections office for eligible voters.
The August 17 Primary will again feature the Top 2 system that was first used in 2008 after Washington voters approved it in 2004 and the U.S. Supreme Court upheld it in March 2008.