EVERETT — Ballots for the November 3 General Election will be mailed Friday to approximately 535,000 Snohomish County voters the Snohomish County Auditor says, and voters can expect to begin receiving their ballots starting this weekend, with deliveries continuing through Wednesday of next week.
“We are mailing ballots to voters a few weeks earlier than usual this election to provide voters with extra time to return their ballots before Election Day, November 3,” says Snohomish County Auditor Garth Fell. “Official county-operated ballot drop boxes are the most direct and reliable way to return your ballot. If you choose to return your ballot by mail, we strongly encourage you to mail it at least one week before Election Day to allow enough time for processing and delivery.”
According to Fell’s office, recent operational changes within the U.S. Postal Service, including reduced pickup frequency in some areas and changes to postmarking procedures, may affect delivery and postmark timelines for ballots returned close to Election Day. Using an official ballot drop box, especially during the final week before Election Day, is the most reliable way for voters to ensure their ballot is received on time, local election officials urge. Voters who need to return their ballot by mail within one week of Election Day are encouraged to visit a local post office in person to request a free, hand-stamped postmark from a postal clerk to ensure their ballot is accepted as “on-time.” Ballots must be postmarked by November 3 to be counted.
The November 3, 2026, General Election allows local voters to decide races for three U.S. Congressional seats in Districts 1, 2 and 8 as well as all seats in the Washington House of Representatives in Olympia and some State Senate seats depending on the legislative district in Snohomish County. The 2026 General Election vote will also determine three statewide initiatives to the people on parental notification, trans-athletes in girls’ sports and a pending millionaire’s income tax as well as five positions for justices on the Supreme Court of Washington.
A combined state and local voters’ pamphlet was mailed to every household in Snohomish County earlier this month. The pamphlet provides information about the aforementioned candidates and measures that appear on voters’ ballots. Once voters receive their November ballot, they are encouraged to review the pamphlet and all materials included in their ballot packet, then complete and return their ballot as early as possible. Acting early allows voters time to address any questions or issues that may arise, provides flexibility if unexpected circumstances affect their plans, and helps ensure their ballot has enough time to be received, processed, and counted.
There will be 38 official ballot drop boxes open for the November 3 General Election, including three new locations added this year at the Evergreen Library Branch in Everett, Maltby Elementary in Maltby, and Salem Woods Elementary in Monroe. Voters have until 8 p.m. on Election Day to return their ballot to an official ballot drop box. Ballot drop boxes are available 24 hours a day until 8 p.m. on Election Day, providing a convenient and direct option for voters to return their completed ballots. A complete list of official ballot drop box locations can be found online at snoco.gov/elections and in the voters’ pamphlet.
The November General Election ballot will include local races for County Prosecuting Attorney, Public Utility District Commissioner, five proposed amendments to the Snohomish County Charter and judicial offices in four district courts. Voters in certain jurisdictions will also see local ballot measures for the City of Everett and the City of Bothell, as well as measures for three school districts, two fire districts, and one hospital district.
Voters have until Monday, October 26, to register to vote or update their existing voter registration online or by mail. In-person voter services, including registering to vote, updating an existing registration, obtaining a new or replacement ballot, and using accessible voting equipment will be available until 8 p.m. on Election Night, Tuesday, November 3, at the Auditor’s Office in Everett or at an accessible voter services location. For hours of operation and the addresses of accessible voter services locations, please refer to the local voters’ pamphlet or the county’s website.
Voters can track the status of their ballot online and sign up to receive text alerts about their ballot at VoteWA.gov. These tools allow voters to see when their ballot is received by Snohomish County Elections, verified, and accepted for counting. Voters who have signed up for text alerts will also be notified if there is a problem with their ballot signature and provided with instructions to resolve the issue.
After returning their completed ballots, voters can celebrate their civic participation with one of Snohomish County’s new “I Voted” stickers, available at the Auditor’s Office in Everett, all Sno-Isle Libraries locations, and accessible voter services sites during their hours of operation. Voters can choose from seven designs that highlight some of the landscapes, industries, and cultures that make Snohomish County unique, including a new design created in collaboration with the Tulalip Tribes that reflects Coast Salish cultural heritage. These stickers are a small but meaningful way for voters to celebrate their civic pride and the places they call home.
For more information, visit Snohomish County Elections’ website at snoco.gov/elections. You can also connect with the Auditor’s Office on Facebook, Instagram, and X. If you have additional questions, please email Snohomish County Elections at [email protected].