Ballots in the mail

PORT ORCHARD — The Kitsap County Auditor’s Office mailed general election ballots out this week, sending them to 134,476 registered county voters.

Overseas ballots were sent out last week.

Voters have until Nov. 8 to complete and submit the ballots, either by mail or at designated drop boxes throughout the county.

The drop boxes are open on Election Day only, although voters can deliver their ballots to the Auditor’s Office in Port Orchard at any time.

Election supervisor Dolores Gilmore said 45 percent of the 134,921 primary ballots were collected. Since then, 445 voters were stricken from the rolls and their ballots were returned to the office.

Gilmore said she expected a higher turnout for the upcoming contest.

“There will be more voting because of all the state initiatives,” she said. “I would expect a 55 to 60 percent turnout.”

Along with the ballots, the county printed 115,000 voter’s pamphlets. One was sent to every household or post office box, with the remainder distributed to post offices, libraries and other public buildings.

Gilmore said that all voters should receive their ballots by Oct. 27. Those who have not then received their ballot should contact the Auditor’s Office.

This is the first general election since the county commissioners instituted an all-mail voting policy for the county,

For more information or to request a replacement ballot call (360) 337-7128.

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