King County Elections, like all departments, was asked by the Council and Executive's Office to look closely at our operations. We identified opportunities to reduce non-mandated services, that would not jeopardize the integrity of the elections process. The County Council had to carefully weigh the benefits and costs of many services that citizens want and depend on and, as a result, the decision to eliminate most ballot drop boxes was made.
In 2010, the ballot drop box at Election headquarters will remain in service, as will the box at the King County Administration Building in downtown Seattle, due to the high volume of use and its association with the seat of County government.
All ballots must be returned at a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. or postmarked by Election Day, August 17.
Locations and availability
Ballot drop boxes will be open starting July 30, 2010
Other options
Ballots can be dropped off during business hours at one of King County’s three accessible voting centers, without the cost of postage.
Ballots returned via the U.S. Postal Service require one first class stamp. For more information on U.S. Postal Service collection boxes or postage rates, visit their
web site.
Frequently asked questions
What is a ballot drop box?
A ballot drop box is a way for voters to securely return their mail ballot, without the cost of postage.
How do I use a ballot drop box?
Carefully follow the instructions on the ballot envelope. Place the ballot in the security envelope, seal all envelopes, sign the outer envelope, and deposit your ballot packet into the box.
How do I know my ballot is secure?
Ballots are collected regularly from each drop box by King County Elections. Two official elections workers will use a chain of custody process to transport all ballots.
Ballot packets are delivered to the Elections facility where they are processed with other returned mail ballots. The signature on every ballot is checked against the voter’s registration file and if it matches, the ballot moves forward.
