"Stay Safe - Vote Safe" Proclamation

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Stay Safe - Vote Safe Proclamation issued to ensure voters and voting centers are protected during the pandemic.

Governor Inslee issued a "Stay Safe - Vote Safe" proclamation that temporarily suspends any COVID-related orders that could be interpreted to restrict access to voting centers and student engagement HUBS by persons intending to register to vote, obtain a ballot, receive assistance with a ballot, deposit a ballot or use other voting-related services.

Under this proclamation, gathering restrictions do not apply to voters who are in attendance at a voting center for the purpose of registering to vote or to cast his or her vote. Both individual voting and voting centers are protected under this proclamation.

All elections personnel and voters should practice physical distancing and use face coverings. Click here to read the proclamation and guidance memo.

How To Vote

King County elections recommends that you vote and return your ballot as soon as you receive it. Returning your ballot early allows time to correct any issues with your signature so your ballot can be counted.

There are three ways to return your ballot:

1. Ballot Drop Box

Ballot drop boxes are a secure and convenient way for voters to return their ballot. Boxes opened October 15. In Mercer Island, there is a drop box located in the parking lot of the Mercer Island Community and Event Center (MICEC), 8236 SE 24th Street.

Ballot drop boxes will close at 8 p.m. sharp on Election Day (November 3).

2. By Mail

King County elections recommend dropping your ballot in the mail by the Friday before Election Day to make sure it gets postmarked in time to be counted. Your ballot must be postmarked by Election Day.

3. At a Vote Center

Due to COVID-19, King County elections has urged voters who can, to vote early by mail or drop box. If you can’t, there will be seven Vote Center locations for you to register or vote:

Bellevue: Bellevue College Gym: 3000 Landerholm Cir SE, Bellevue, WA 98007
Federal Way: Federal Way Performing Arts Center: 31510 Pete von Reichbauer Way S, Federal Way, WA 98003
Kenmore: Kenmore City Hall: 18120 68th Ave NE, Kenmore, WA 98028
Kent: Accesso ShoWare Center: 625 W James St, Kent, WA 98032
Renton: Elections HQ in Renton: 919 SW Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057
Seattle: CenturyLink Field Event Center: 800 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134
Seattle: University of Washington Seattle Campus - Dempsey Indoor Center on the UW Campus in Seattle, Walla Walla Road, 98105

If you have any questions, give King County Elections a call at 206-296-VOTE (8683).

"The right to vote is one of the cornerstones of our democracy. Even in the middle of a pandemic, it's vital that everyone’s voices are heard. We are dedicated to ensuring that anyone can cast their ballot in a safe manner and we are protecting the crucial election personnel and volunteers that make this democratic process possible." Governor Jay Inslee

COVID-19 information pages are no longer updated.

See the CDC's COVID website for current information and trends.