As Washington’s Presidential Primary enters the final days of its voting period, nearly 1 million ballots already have been returned to counties.

“I’m very encouraged by the large number of ballots returned,” said Secretary of State Kim Wyman. “It’s a clear indication that many Washington voters are interested in our Presidential Primary and want their voices heard during the presidential nominating season. There is a lot of interest and excitement among  voters.”

As of late Thursday afternoon, more than 981,000 ballots have been returned, or 24 percent of the ballots mailed out to Washington’s nearly 4.1 million registered voters. Wyman and Elections Division officials expect returned ballots to hit the 1 million mark Friday.

Voting began for most Washington voters on May 6, although military and overseas voters received their ballots weeks earlier. Voters have until May 24 to return their Presidential Primary ballot. Ballot envelopes must be postmarked by May 24, but state Elections Director Lori Augino suggests voters use free, secure ballot drop boxes provided by counties. Return by drop box must be done by 8 p.m. on May 24.

Wyman and Augino remind voters that they need to mark a party declaration for their vote to count in the Presidential Primary. They note that the Presidential Primary, unlike the state’s Top 2 Primary, involves party nominations and major political parties can require that voters declare a party declaration.

Election night results will be tallied and posted, with opening day numbers available after 8 p.m. on May 24. Daily updates will be provided after that.

Results will be available at our vote.wa.gov website and free smartphone apps, WA State Election Results.