Voter turnouts have historically been low in Kitsap County’s primary elections, with elections decided by one-third of registered voters. In fact, County Auditor Walt Washington is predicting a voter turnout in the Aug. 16 primary of 35-40 percent.

That’s a shame, considering the fact that one of the candidates who advances to the general election in each race will be elected to considerable authority.

Your vote is important. We urge North Kitsap residents to vote in the Aug. 16 primary.

Voter pamphlets and ballots are in the mail. If you do not receive a ballot by Tuesday, contact the Kitsap County Auditor — Elections Division for a replacement ballot, (360) 337-7128.

Aug. 8 is the last day for citizens not currently registered in Washington to register in person at the Auditor’s Office, 619 Division St., Port Orchard, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ballots must be mailed early enough to ensure they are postmarked by Aug. 16. Voters may also return their ballots to a ballot deposit location by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Before Election Day, voters may deposit their ballots in a dropbox on the Division Street side of the County Administration Building, corner of Division and Cline, Port Orchard; or in the Kitsap County Auditor’s Office, Election Division, 619 Division St., Port Orchard, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On Election Day, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., North Kitsap voters may deposit their ballot at Poulsbo Fire Station, 911 NE Liberty Road, Poulsbo.

On the primary ballot in North Kitsap: Three candidates for Port of Kingston Commission and three candidates for North Kitsap School Board. The top two vote-getters in each race will advance to the Nov. 8 general election.

School board members are empowered by state law to establish district policy and adopt budgets, and are responsible for quality of instruction, district planning, policy development and communications. Port commissioners are empowered by state law to set objectives, policies and overall direction for the port district. They wield considerable authority: They can exercise the right of eminent domain, levy and collect assessments on property within the district without voter approval to provide services to the public, and issue bonds and impose excess levies for specific purposes.

Your vote in the Aug. 16 primary is a very important one. Use it.