The following press release was issued by Pierce County and includes important information about the upcoming general election:
KEY DATES
Election Day Nov. 5, Results at 8:15 p.m.
Canvassing Board Meeting – Voter intent Nov. 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Canvassing Board Meeting – Certification Nov. 26 at 11 a.m.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Total registered voters 438,344
Expected Turnout 46.0% or approximately 202,000 ballots
Past Turnout % / Number of Registered Voters
2011 Primary Election turnout 49.5% / 414,360
2009 Primary Election turnout 43.0% / 407,840
2007 Primary Election turnout 44.6% / 373,207
2005 Primary Election turnout 48.0% / 391,611
VOTING
1. By Mail
• A ballot was mailed to each voter on Oct. 18.
• If citizens do not receive a ballot, call 253-798-VOTE (8683) to request a replacement ballot.
• Mail (postage required) on or before Nov. 5, to ensure a Nov. 5 postmark.
• KEY MESSAGE: Return your ballot as early as possible. Don’t delay.
2. Ballot Drop Boxes
• Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, beginning Oct. 18 until 8 p.m. on Nov.5.
• 27 sites across the county.
• No stamp required.
• In last year’s General, 168,926 or over 48% of ballots were returned at a drop box.
• Locations on our website: www.piercecountywa.org/elections
3. Voting Centers
• Six voting centers across the county.
• Open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.
• Services provided: Accessible voting using a touch screen machine, Provisional ballots, and voter assistance.
• Voting Centers are not polling places. They provide special assistance with voting.
WHAT’S ON THE PIERCE COUNTY BALLOT?
• Two State Measures
Initiative Measure No. 517 concerns initiative and referendum measures.
This measure would set penalties for interfering with or retaliating against signature-gatherers and petition-signers; require that all measures receiving sufficient signatures appear on the ballot; and extend time for gathering initiative petition signatures.
Initiative Measure No. 522 concerns labeling of genetically-engineered foods.
This measure would require most raw agricultural commodities, processed foods, and seeds and seed stocks, if produced using genetic engineering, as defined, to be labeled as genetically engineered when offered for retail sale.
– Five State Advisory Votes
– Advisory votes are non-binding. The results will not change the law.
– You are advising the Legislature to repeal or maintain a tax increase.
– Repeal (you don’t favor the tax increase).
– Maintain (you favor the tax increase).
• Ten Special Elections (Bonds and Levies)
• 26th Legislative District State Senator
– This is a partisan office to fill a vacancy.
– You will also notice the special instructions to voters regarding party affiliation and party preferences.
• Port of Tacoma
• Cities and Towns
• School districts
• Fire districts
• Park districts
• Water and Sewer districts
Release Schedule
• Election Night, Nov. 5, 2013 at 8:15 p.m.
– Includes ballots processed through Election Day.
– Voting Center results at 9:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 5 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 7 at 5 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 8 at 4 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 11 – Closed for Veterans Day.
• Tuesday, Nov. 12 to Friday, Nov. 15 at 4 p.m.
– Dependent upon volume of ballots received each day.
• Monday, Nov. 18 to Friday, Nov. 22 at 4 p.m.
– Dependent upon volume of ballots received each day.
• Monday, Nov. 25 at 4 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 26 Certification of Election.
Please note: Results are not official until election certification. Schedule is subject to change. Times are approximate.
