Are You Registered? Know Where to Drop Your Ballot? Here’s Voting 101 to Help

Unless you’ve been living on a desert island (considering the political climate these days, who can blame you?), you’ve heard about the November 6 midterm elections, where the fates of national, state, and local politicians, along with state initiatives, are at stake at a tumultuous time in our democracy.  Midterms have entered the consciousness of the mainstream, and local organizations in the North Sound – some non-partisan and non-affiliated — are making a final push to get out the vote.

Washington state makes things easier because everyone votes by mail. If you’re not registered to vote, there’s still time: Monday, Oct. 8 is the registration deadline for mail-in and online registrations or address changes – if you’ve moved, make sure you get your address changed, or you won’t get a ballot when they’re mailed Oct. 19. Usvotefoundation.org is a great website to register online and get details you need. You can register in person until Monday, Oct. 29. Check usvotefoundation.org for location, online registration, ballots and other information.

If you’re not sure if you’re registered, see myvote.wa.gov. All you need to register to vote is a Washington state ID or driver’s license. It’s also where you can update your address, check out your candidates and ballot measures, see your districts and current elected officials, and find local ballot drop box and voting center locations. If you still have questions, the League of Women Voters is a good place to get answers and find a local contact person.