Election News

Take action: make a voting plan

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There are ongoing legal challenges involving new federal requirements for mail voting, and the rules may change as those cases move through the courts. The League of Women Voters is closely monitoring these developments. WE WILL KEEP YOU UPDATED.

For now, voters should take these steps:

• Know Washington state's rules.

  Check VoteWA.gov, WA SOS, and Kitsap County Elections for the latest information about registering, requesting a mail ballot, voting in person, and election deadlines. VoteWA.gov is also where you can confirm all your personal voter info is up-to-date.



• When you receive your ballot in the mail, return it as early as you can.

  Don't wait until the last minute. Follow your voter pamphlet instructions carefully and allow enough time for your ballot to be received and processed. Use ballot drop boxes to return ballots if possible. (Here's a list of Kitsap's 27 dropbox locations)



• If you requested a ballot and don't receive it, act promptly.

  Check your ballot status on VoteWA.gov and contact your local election official to learn what options are available to you. The phone number for the Kitsap County elections division is 360-307-VOTE (8683). Do not assume that you have to give up on voting. Under federal law, you can always vote in-person with a provisional ballot.



• Have a backup plan.

  Know your options for voting in person if you need them, particularly if your ballot does not arrive in time. In Kitsap, you can vote in-person on the Saturday and Monday before Election Day, as well as on Election Day (note: there are often long lines on Election Day). Go here for details voting in person in Kitsap.



• Get reliable, current information

  Election rules can vary by state and may change as litigation continues. Use VoteWA.gov, VOTE411, and Washington's state election website for the most current instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What can I do to make sure my ballot is received and postmarked on time?

• Use an official ballot drop box. If your ballot is in an official ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day, it is guaranteed on time. Here's a list of Kitsap's 27 dropbox locations. You can also find a list of dropboxes at VoteWA.gov
• If you need to return your ballot by mail, the USPS recommends mailing your ballot more than a week before Election Day.
• Text "VOTE" to VOTEWA (868392) to subscribe to text alerts on the status of your ballot. Or you can check the status on VoteWA.gov.

Can I vote in Kitsap County without relying on the US Postal Service AT ALL to get/return my ballot?

Yes. You have two options:

A ) You pick up your ballot from the County Courthouse in Port Orchard on, or after, October 15. You vote at home. You return your ballot to any Kitsap County ballot dropbox.

OR

B) The Saturday or Monday before the election, or on Election Day, you go to one of the following polling sites: Poulsbo Fire Station, Marvin Williams Recreational Center in Bremerton or County Auditor’s Office in Port Orchard. You vote there. (Note: expect long lines on Election Day.) More info about polling sites (aka voting centers) here.