Primary ballots hit mailboxes this week

Ballots for Washington’s Aug. 2 primary election will begin arriving in Mid-Columbia mailboxes this week.

Franklin County mailed ballots July 12, Benton County will follow suit on July 13 and Walla Walla County on July 14. All ballots should arrive by the end of the week.

New voters may register in person until July 25 at the Franklin County Courthouse, 1016 N. Fourth Ave., Pasco, or at the Benton County Justice Center in Kennewick.

Kennewick voters will decide the fate of a proposal to raise the local sales tax to pay for an expansion of the Three Rivers Convention Center complex, including the addition of a 2,300-seat theater dubbed “The Link.” If approved, the tax would add 2 cents to a $10 purchase and would expire after the project’s debt is repaid.

Voters throughout the region will decide which candidates will advance to the November election where there are three or more candidates. The top two vote-getters will advance, regardless of political party.

Of particular interest is the congressional seat held by U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Sunnyside. Newhouse faces four challengers to represent the 4th District, including Democrat Doug McKinley and Republican Clint Didier.

Voters can return their ballots by mail or by dropping them at boxes throughout the region.

This story was originally published July 12, 2016 at 1:22 PM with the headline "Primary ballots hit mailboxes this week."