April 22 Special Election voting begins in 23 Washington counties

(OLYMPIA)— County elections offices throughout Washington have mailed ballots to eligible voters in 23 counties participating in the April 22 Special Election.

Approximately 43% of Washington’s more than 5 million registered voters will have the opportunity to cast a ballot in the special election. Statewide, ballots will include 39 total measures across 39 districts, with races including school districts, fire districts, and hospitals, according to a news release from the Office of the Secretary of State.

Voters participating in the April Special Election must return their ballots by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22. Ballots can be returned by mail, placed in an official county ballot drop box, or delivered in person to a county voting center. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by Election Day. The United States Postal Service recommends mailing your ballot at least a week before Election Day to ensure it is postmarked on time.

“The April Special Election includes measures related to critical services and infrastructure, such as fire districts and hospitals, giving voters a chance to help shape their communities,” Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said. “Voting in special elections is one of many ways you can make a difference at a local level, and our office works with county elections officials to ensure voting is safe, secure, and accessible for all Washingtonians.”

Eligible individuals still have time to register to vote in the April Special Election. The deadline for mail-in and online registrations and updates to be received is Monday, April 14. Voters may also register or update their registration in person at their county elections office until 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Voters can verify their registration is up to date and check their ballot status by signing in at VoteWA.gov. If you have questions about your registration or ballot, contact your county elections office.

Voters can also sign up for text message notifications about their ballot online at VoteWA.gov or by texting “VOTE” to 868392.

For more information about the April 22 Special Election, visit the Office of the Secretary of State’s Current Election Information web page.