Election returns arrive slowly

As of November 1, only 19 percent of all election ballots had been returned to the Thurston County election’s office.  But, Thurston County Auditor Gary Alexander expects that to rise when all ballots are counted.

Alexander said the county currently has processed 31,716 ballots.  Another 1200 arrived over the weekend.  But, he expects another 30,000 to come in Tuesday and Wednesday which will bring the count to around 40 percent.

Statewide, the expectation is about 51 percent voter participation driven by I 522’s great expenditure of funds, and an active mayoral race in Seattle.

All ballots must be postmarked no later than November 5.   Remember, all mail goes to Tacoma to be postmarked so the ballot should be in the mail no later than noon or 1 p.m. on that day.

You can also drop off your ballot at any of a number of drop boxes located around the county.  For a list of locations go to the Thurston County election’s web page.   They will be open until 8 p.m. on Tuesday.