Secretary of state issues new postage rule for ballots

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Office of the Secretary of State issued an emergency rule change that will now require county officials to use first-class mail when sending out ballots to voters at least 15 days before Election Day.

The general election is Nov. 3.

By law, ballots must be sent to voters no later than Oct. 16, which guaranteed a three to 10 day delivery time. 

The new rule will allow, at least 15 days before election day, any replacement ballots or ballots for newly registered voters would be mailed with first-class postage, with a delivery window between two and five days.

“Closer to Election Day, many counties throughout Washington already switch over to First Class mail to ensure voters receive materials with enough time to cast their ballots,” said Secretary of State Kim Wyman. “This will provide more consistency statewide, and give voters some peace of mind heading into the Nov. 3 General Election.”

The Secretary of State’s Office and county election officials encourage people to visit VoteWA.gov before Oct. 26 to ensure their voter registration record is up to date or register to vote.

Cox Media Group