The primary election is on Aug. 5. Your ballot must be postmarked by that day, or deposited into a ballot dropbox by 8 p.m.

There’s a lot riding on your ballot. The top two vote-getters in the primary will advance to the Nov. 4 general election. The winners will be empowered to make decisions on your behalf on issues of state and national importance, and on issues affecting public services in our county.

In Bremerton, voters will decide whether to continue for six years a property tax levy of up to 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed property valuation to support EMS service. We hope Bremerton voters approve the measure.

Here are some things you should know about the Aug. 5 election.

One, drop boxes are located at the following sites:

• Bainbridge Island Fire Department, 8895 Madison Ave. NE, Bainbridge Island.

• Kitsap Regional Library, 1301 Sylvan Way, Bremerton.

• Norm Dicks Government Center, 345 6th St., Bremerton.

• North Kitsap Fire & Rescue, 26642 Miller Bay Road NE, Kingston

• Kitsap County Auditor Elections Division, 619 Division St., Port Orchard (on the corner of Division Street and Cline Avenue).

• Poulsbo Fire Station, 911 N.E. Liberty Road, Poulsbo.

• Central Kitsap School District Administration Building, 9210 Silverdale Way NW, Silverdale.

Two, you can verify that your ballot was received at https://wa.liveballot.com/kitsap

Three, if you need more information about a candidate, read the Voter Pamphlet online at www.kitsapgov.com/aud/elections/archive/14/Kitsap%20LVP%202014.pdf. The guide has links to candidates’ websites.

Four, follow the results election night at www.kitsapgov.com/aud/elections.htm. The Kitsap County elections office usually posts early results by 8:10 p.m. In addition, the Patriot staff will post stories about each race at www.bremertonpatriot.com.

Never doubt the power of your single vote. Cast your ballot.