SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — If you want to make sure your ballot is counted in the November election, you’ll want to send it in much earlier than usual this year.
Spokane County elections officials have issued a warning that the United States Postal Service is currently collecting mail from local election offices only once per day. This reduced pickup schedule could affect the timely postmarking of mailed ballots, potentially leading to some votes not being counted.
Election officials advise voters to avoid mailing ballots on Election Day itself, as these may not be postmarked in time. Instead, they recommend mailing ballots several days early or submitting them using one of the official ballot drop boxes, which remain open until 8 p.m. on Election Day.
“Pretty much anything that’s picked up at a residential address, a business address or out of their own blue bins on Tuesday of Election Day will probably not get a postmark of Election Day,” said Spokane County Auditor, Vicky Dalton.
In past elections, up to half a percent of ballots received have been rejected due to incorrect postmarks, according to the Elections Office.
Voters can find a list of ballot drop box locations included in their ballot packets. After mailing or dropping off a ballot, voters can track their submission at VoteWA.gov to confirm receipt and acceptance.
Ballots will be mailed out to voters starting October 14 and 15. New voter registrations must be completed by October 27 to participate in the November 4 election.
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