Ready for the 2024 general election in Tri-Cities? What to know as WA voting cycle starts
Ballots have been sent out across Washington state for the 2024 general election cycle. After months of heavy campaigns and preparation, we’re finally approaching the peak of election season.
It’s especially important at this stage in the election process to know your dates, ballot drop-off locations and the Washington state voting process.
Here’s your need-to-know information for the 2024 general election in Tri-Cities.
Filling out your Washington state ballot
When you get your ballot, it will include initiatives, federal office races, state races, local races and local measures. You’ll also receive a non-partisan Voters’ Pamphlet, with information on the propositions and candidates.
You have one vote per race or measure — if you vote for more than one option, none will be counted.
Here are the races and measures you’ll see on a Benton County ballot:
Benton County races:
County Commissioner Board District 1
County Commissioner Board District 3
Benton and Franklin Counties Superior Court Position 5
Benton County Public Utilities District Commissioner Board District 3
Statewide measures:
Federal races:
U.S. Senate
U.S. House of Representatives District 4
State races:
Governor of Washington
Lieutenant Governor of Washington
Washington State Attorney General
Commissioner of Insurance
Commissioner of Public Lands
Washington State Secretary of State
Washington State Auditor
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Washington State Treasurer
Washington State Senate District 14
Washington State House of Representatives District 8, 14, 15, 16 Position 1
Washington State House of Representatives District 8, 14, 15, 16 Position 2
Washington State Supreme Court Position 2
Washington State Supreme Court Position 8
Washington State Supreme Court Position 9
Here are the races and measures you’ll see on a Franklin County ballot:
Franklin County races:
Franklin County Commissioner Board District 1
Franklin County Commissioner Board District 2
Franklin County Public Utility District Commissioner Board District 3
Benton and Franklin Counties Superior Court Position 5
Statewide measures:
Local propositions:
Federal races:
President of the United States
U.S. Senate
U.S. House of Representatives District 4, 5
State races:
Governor of Washington
Lieutenant Governor of Washington
Washington State Attorney General
Washington State Commissioner of Insurance
Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands
Secretary of State
Washington State Auditor
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Washington State Treasurer
Washington State Senate District 14, 16
Washington State House of Representatives District 8, 14, 16 Position 1
Washington State House of Representatives District 8, 14, 16 Position 2
Washington State Supreme Court Position 2
Washington State Supreme Court Position 8
Washington State Supreme Court Position 9
When voting, use a black or dark blue pen to completely fill in the oval next to your vote on each measure and race.
If you make a mistake or change your mind, you can make a correction by drawing a line through the entire incorrect answer, then fill in the oval for your actual answer. You can find instructions for this process on all ballots as well.
To write in an alternate candidate, print their name on the Write-In line for the corresponding race, and completely fill in the oval next to it.
Once you’ve made your votes, place your ballot into the security sleeve. Place the security sleeve into the ballot return envelope, then follow the instructions to sign and date the voter declaration.
Returning your Washington state ballot
Washington state uses voting through the mail, and by voting drop box, which are open from 20 days prior to Election Day on Nov. 5.
New voters can register online or by mail through Oct. 28, or in-person through Election Day on Nov. 5. All you need to register online is a Washington State Driver License or ID.
The USPS recommends putting ballots in the mail at least a week before Election Day, but the sooner the better.
Here are the ballot drop-off locations in Benton and Franklin counties, and where you can take your completed ballot through 8 p.m. on Election Day.
The Prosser Courthouse, Benton County Voting Center and Franklin County Voting Center are also Accessible Voting Center locations.
This story was originally published October 16, 2024 at 2:16 PM.