Skip to main content

King County Elections Issues Challenge to Reach 90% Turnout in General Election

Newsroom

King County
Elections


King County Elections Issues Challenge to Reach 90% Turnout in General Election

Summary

King County Elections is challenging voters to hit 90% turnout in the November General election. King County voters have consistently outperformed turnout expectations over the last year, including surpassing expectations by 13% in the August Primary. 90% turnout would be record-breaking, with a previous high of 85% in the 2012 General election.

Story

King County Elections has increased its official projection for the November General election from 86% to 90% turnout and is issuing a challenge to King County voters to meet this projection and set a new turnout record this fall. Voters in King County have consistently surpassed turnout expectations in nearly every election over the past year, including in the August Primary and the March Presidential Primary. The existing record is 85% turnout in the 2012 General election. Turnout in the 2016 General was 82%.

“We know that to get to 90% turnout it is going to take all of us. That’s why we’re issuing this ambitious goal as a challenge to our voters. We are challenging our voters to make sure that they’re registered, that their friends and family are too. We’re challenging them to make a plan to vote. We’re challenging them to turn their ballot in early,” stated King County Director of Elections Julie Wise. “Here at King County Elections, we want to make sure that every voice is heard.”

All eligible voters can register and update their registration online through October 26. Voters are encouraged to make sure they’re registered at their current address as soon as possible. Following October 26, voters will need to come in person to get registered or make changes to their registration. There will be Vote Centers open to serve voters during the voting period, including locations at Elections headquarters in Renton and CenturyLink Field Event Center in Seattle. Additional locations will also be available across King County.

Ballots will be mailed to voters on October 14 and most voters should have them in hand by Monday, October 19. Those who have not received their ballot by October 19 should call King County Elections at 206-296-VOTE (8683) or can access and print their ballot online and then return by mail or drop box. All voters are encouraged to return their ballot as early as possible, whether utilizing the mail or one of the more than 70 secure ballot drop box locations around the county. Ballots must be postmarked or deposited in a drop box by 8 p.m. sharp on Election Day.

Voters can find more information on what they can do now to make a plan and get ready to vote in October by visiting the King County Elections blog, Election Connection.

 

Quotes

    “We know that to get to 90% turnout it is going to take all of us. That’s why we’re issuing this ambitious goal as a challenge to our voters. We are challenging our voters to make sure that they’re registered, that their friends and family are too. We’re challenging them to make a plan to vote. We’re challenging them to turn their ballot in early. Here at King County Elections, we want to make sure that every voice is heard.” – Julie Wise, King County Director of Elections

Media contact

Halei Watkins
206-477-4111
hawatkins@kingcounty.gov

Connect with us

TTY: Relay 711

Sign up for email or text notifications

expand_less