Primary election ballots going out Friday in Cathlamet

Ballots for the 2021 August 3 Primary Election will be mailed to Cathlamet voters this Friday.

Wahkiakum County Elections Coordinator Kaelee Dearmore said the local ballot consists of one race, Town of Cathlamet Mayor, with three candidates printed on the ballot.

Only voters within the Town of Cathlamet boundaries will receive a primary ballot. There are less than 500 registered voters eligible to participate in this election, Dearmore said.

The Cathlamet mailing will also include the county's first Local Voters' Pamphlet (LVP), which should have information about the three candidates and a message from the auditor about voting procedures.

Only two of the candidates, David Olson and Robert Stowe, supplied information for the LVP; the third, Dale Jacobson, submitted no information.

"We will have additional copies (of the LVP) available in our office, as well as published on our website," Dearmore said. "There is also a link to the Online Voters' Guide that is available through the Elections page. (https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=870&c=35#/)."

According to information from the Office of the Secretary of State, the Primary Election’s 18-day voting period begins Friday and lasts through election day, Aug. 3. Ballots include a prepaid-postage return envelope, so people who return their ballots via U.S. mail do not have to pay for a stamp. Voters who place their ballots in an official drop box must do so by 8 p.m. on election day. Drop box locations may be found at VoteWA.gov.

Secretary of State Kim Wyman encourages voters to mail their completed ballots well before election day to ensure their ballots are received on time. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked on or before Aug. 3.

“I recommend Washingtonians mail their ballot early to ensure their votes count and their voices are heard,” Wyman said. “During this primary election, voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on local positions and issues that affect our everyday lives, from mayoral and city council races to school boards, fire districts, and more. I encourage every eligible voter to participate.”

Registered voters can log in to VoteWA.gov to access their personal voting information, update their registration, view their online voter guide, locate a ballot drop box, check the status of their ballot, and more. People who want to register to vote can visit VoteWA.gov and fill out a brief form. A valid Washington state driver’s license or ID is required to register online.

To vote in the Primary Election, registrations must be received by July 26 – eight days before election day – either online or via U.S. mail. After July 26, people can register or update their registration in person at their county’s elections office during business hours and until 8 p.m. Aug. 3.