King County's August Primary: Important Dates To Know For 2021

RENTON, WA — This year's primary elections are fast approaching, and ballots will begin arriving in mailboxes across King County by next week. Nearly 650 candidates are seeking various offices in 2021, beating the previous record set in 2017. Out of that total, more than 200 candidates will appear in the Aug. 3 primary, which features all the races with three or more people seeking the same office.

Voters will decide which two candidates move forward to the general election in November, including several city council contests and mayoral races. Primary voters will also choose which challenger will face Dow Constantine, who is seeking a fourth term as King County Executive. All primary voters will also see Proposition 1, a countywide proposal to renew the Best Starts for Kids levy for another six years.

Here are four important dates to keep in mind this month, leading up to Election Day, Aug. 3:

• July 14, 2021: King County Elections begins mailing ballots to all registered voters, and the vote center opens in Renton.
• July 15, 2021: Drop boxes open across King County.
• July 19, 2021: All registered voters should have their ballots no later than this date.
• July 26, 2021: Last day to register or modify voter registration online or by mail.

Voters who still need to register and miss the July 26 deadline still have the option to register in person all the way until polls close at 8 p.m. on Aug. 3. All ballots must be postmarked by that date, and drop boxes close at the same time.

Here are a few helpful links to make sure your voice is heard:

• Find your nearest dropbox out of the dozens across the county using an up-to-date map.
• Verify your voter registration status or update your address.
• Learn more about the candidates and ballot measures in your town, including those that will appear only on November ballots.