According to a recent news release from the Lewis County Auditor’s Office, no stamp is needed to mail a ballot, but it must be postmarked by election day, Nov. 4. Any ballots returned with a postal cancellation date after election day will be invalid.
The U.S. Postal Service advises voters should mail ballots at least seven days prior to the election to account for any unforeseen events or weather issues so the envelope will be postmarked in time.
If the ballot is not mailed until election day, the voter should take the ballot packet to a postal clerk inside the post office and have the clerk stamp the envelope with a circular post office cancellation stamp, according to the release.
Ballots must be dropped off in drop boxes by 8 p.m. on Nov. 4, election day. Drop box locations can be found at https://elections.lewiscountywa.gov.
Ballots should have arrived in voter’s mailboxes no later than Oct. 24. If an individual needs a replacement or did not receive a ballot, ballots may be obtained by any of the following methods:
• Go to www.votewa.gov, log in and select “Your Ballot & Voting Materials” then “Get a Replacement Ballot” to print a replacement ballot packet
• Call 360-740-1278 or toll free within Lewis County at 1-800-562-6130, ext. 1278
• In person at 351 NW North St., Chehalis, accessible Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on election day, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
In addition, the auditor’s office is a voting center, and accessible voting units are available during regular business hours and on election day for assistance to individuals with disabilities and the elderly for registration and voting, the release stated.
