Ahead of the primary elections, the Lewis County Auditor's Office is reminding voters that no stamp is needed to mail ballots, but they must be postmarked by election day Aug. 2.
Any ballots returned with a postal cancellation date after election day will be invalid.
The United States Postal Service advises that voters 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. The sooner ballots are turned in, the more likely they are to count.
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 auditor’s office.
Voters are encouraged to use ballot drop boxes located within the communities participating in this election. Ballots must be dropped off by 8 p.m. on election day.
Drop box locations can be found online at https://elections.lewiscountywa.gov.
Ballots should have arrived in mailboxes no later than July 22.
If an individual needs a replacement or did not receive a ballot, ballots may be obtained by any of the following methods:
• Online at www.votewa.gov, log in and select “My Ballot” then “Online Ballot” to print your replacement ballot packet
• Calling 360-740-1164, 360-740-1278 or toll free within Lewis County at 1-800-562-6130 ext. 1164 or 1278;
• In-person at 351 NW North St., Chehalis, WA 98532 (Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on election day 8a.m. to 8 p.m.).
In addition, the auditor’s office is a voting venter and accessible voting units are available during regular business hours and on election day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for assistance to individuals with disabilities and the elderly for registration and voting.
