State reminds voters to mail ballots soon

EPHRATA — With the general election just a week away, the Washington Secretary of State’s Office — which oversees the state’s elections — is letting voters know that if they haven’t received their ballots yet to contact their county elections office for a replacement.

State election officials are also encouraging voters who need help to request assistance from their county elections office.

“Every county must have at least one Accessible Voting Unit at each voting center,” according to a news release from the Secretary of State’s office. “Be suspicious of calls claiming to help you fill out your ballot, and only let people that you trust deliver your completed ballot for you.”

The Secretary of State is reminding all voters to sign and date their ballot return envelopes, and to get them into the mail or a ballot drop box as soon as possible.

“A late postmark could disqualify your ballot,” the news release said. “It is recommended to mail by the Friday before Election Day.”

This is especially true in Grant County, where local mail is transported out of the region — to main postal centers in Spokane or Wenatchee — before it is postmarked.

“On Election Day, use a drop box or take your ballot in its envelope into a post office and have them (postmark) the envelope in front of you,” the news release said.

For more information on voting, contact the Grant County Auditor at 509-754-2011 x2733 or the Adams County Auditor at 509-659-3247.

— Staff Report