This year has been politically very turbulent, with many calling for drastic changes. Because so few people tend to vote in the primary, your vote has more impact at this time than during other elections. 

Early August holds the first election, called the primary. It’s the qualifying round for the main event, so to speak. While it might seem that the primary is the least important, and certainly the least interesting of the election cycles, it really should capture your attention. The primary is the election that whittles the chaff away from those prized elected positions. Don’t like the two choices you’re typically given on the main election day in November? Then vote in the primary, because you’ll have loads of choices then. It can make the difference between voting for the lesser of two evils in November.

For the Governor position, Jay Inslee is seeking re-election, while the well known Tim Eyman will also make a run at it. As of right now, there are 36 candidates trying for the Governor’s office. While many other positions are just as important, there are far fewer candidates in all other elections.

This primary does not include presidential candidates; instead, this election includes precinct officers that will potentially represent your area to the Democratic and Republican conventions, both of which will be held later in August.

July 17
Start of 18-day voting period (through Election Day). Ballots are mailed out and Accessible Voting Units (AVUs) are available at voting centers.

July 27
Online and mail registrations must be received 8 days before Election Day.

August 4
Deadline for Washington State voter registration or updates (in person only).

August 4
Primary Election

Note: The following list contains just the elections in our primary readership area. We have also excluded elections with only one candidate and political party precinct positions.