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Grays Harbor 1970s poll workers
How the 1970 election set Washington’s midterm turnout record

How the 1970 election set Washington’s midterm turnout record

The county-certified election returns for the 2018 General Election came very near setting a new state record for voter participation in a non-Presidential election cycle. Of the 4,362,454 people on Washington’s voter rolls, 71.83 percent cast ballots, which was just under the 71.85 percent turnout for the 1970 midterm General Election. Had just 1,101 more Washingtonians voted, that 48-year-old record would have been eclipsed. That the 1970 turnout stands as the state’s high-water mark is noteworthy in several regards. First, the record…

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February 2018 Special Election: Turnout insights

February 2018 Special Election: Turnout insights

All but two of Washington’s 39 counties held special elections earlier this month, and the results have now been certified. As of Friday, Feb. 23, the counts became official: 896,507 of the state’s 2,761,020 eligible registered voters had weighed in on hundreds of local issues, largely related to government structure and tax propositions. Those figures provide a few insights: The 32.5 percent voter turnout rate is the lowest for a February special election in the last decade, which is as…

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`Watershed year’: WA voting season under way!

`Watershed year’: WA voting season under way!

Washington’s voting period for the 2016 Election is under way, with counties mailing about 4.2 million ballots and awaiting a robust turnout of at least 80 percent. A handful of counties sent ballots on Tuesday and nearly all the rest were scheduled to go out Wednesday and Thursday. Friday is the deadline for outbound mail. Deadline for a postmark is Election Day, Nov. 8, and drop boxes may be used before 8 p.m. that day. A record 4,250,526 Washington residents…

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Secretary Wyman’s comments on WA PrezPrimary

Secretary Wyman’s comments on WA PrezPrimary

Secretary of State Kim Wyman calls the robust turnout for the Washington Presidential Primary a “big win for the voters.”  Here is her statement: “We are delighted with the robust turnout for the Washington Presidential Primary. It is a big win for the voters, who continue to embrace this inclusive and broad-based way to have their voices heard. “The turnout, already 1.2 million strong and more than 28 percent of the 4.1 million ballots issued, will continue to grow as…

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WA Election 2014 under way; 62% turnout forecast

WA Election 2014 under way; 62% turnout forecast

Washington’s General Election is under way.  About 65,000 military and overseas ballots were going out by Saturday, Sept. 20, many of them sent electronically, and those voters are able to begin voting as soon as they receive their ballots. The other 3.8 million registered voters will be getting ballots and Voters’ Pamphlets by this time next month. The 18-day voting period kicks off Oct. 17. Ballots can be voted any time after they are received. They may be returned by…

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Secretary Reed’s `robust’ turnout prediction? 81 percent

Secretary Reed’s `robust’ turnout prediction? 81 percent

Secretary of State Sam Reed, Washington’s chief elections official, is predicting a robust voter turnout of 81 percent in the General Election that is currently underway. Reed figures that Washington voters will be attracted by highly competitive races for president and governor, hot races for Legislature and Congress, and some of the most compelling ballot measures in the country. Washington has nearly 3.9 million registered voters – an all-time high – and more are expected to be added, since new…

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Reed forecasts better-than-usual Primary turnout

Reed forecasts better-than-usual Primary turnout

Washington’s chief elections official, Secretary of State Sam Reed, is predicting a better-than-usual turnout for the Top 2 Primary that gets underway next week. Reed forecasts a 46 percent turnout – better than the 43 percent average for comparable presidential/gubernatorial years in recent decades. It would be the best voter participation for a primary since 1980, when it was 48 percent. Reed’s reasoning: “The people of Washington are pretty revved up by the campaigns and issues this year and that…

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Gregoire, Reed certify 2011 election returns

Gregoire, Reed certify 2011 election returns

Gov.  Chris Gregoire and Secretary of State Sam Reed have officially certified the 2011 General Election returns, including statewide ballot propositions, including an initiative that ends state government’s retail liquor monopoly. Meeting in the governor’s office, they signed documents certifying the vote tallies. The state enjoyed a better-than-expected “turnout” of 52.95 percent, nearly 1.94 million ballots.  The turnout was 6 percentage points higher than forecast for the off-year election with no statewide contests such as governor, U.S. senator or president…

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WA 2011 election turnout: almost 53 percent

WA 2011 election turnout: almost 53 percent

Counties have certified election returns for the 2011 General Election, with results from 1.94 million ballots. Secretary of State Sam Reed and Gov. Chris Gregoire will certify the election next Monday. The state enjoyed a better-than-expected “turnout” of 52.95 percent, or 6 percentage points higher than forecast for the off-year election with no statewide contests such as governor, U.S. senator or president on the ballot.  Secretary Reed said Wednesday he was pleased with the turnout:   “This was our first…

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Washington’s 2011 election deadline fast approaching

Washington’s 2011 election deadline fast approaching

Washington’s 2011 ballot-return deadline is fast approaching. Tuesday is the deadline to have a ballot postmarked or returned to an official ballot drop-off site.  The state Elections Division is recommending return of completed ballots by Saturday if possible. If you think you’re registered to vote, but haven’t received a ballot, contact your county elections office. Voters can also double-check online by visiting www.myvote.wa.gov. Secretary of State Sam Reed predicts a 47 percent ballot return, with roughly half of those to…

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