KITSAP – Ballots and the Local Voters’ Pamphlet for the November 2015 General Election are in the mail and all Kitsap voters should receive them this weekend.

All of the approximately 154,250 registered voters in Kitsap will receive a ballot. The Local Voters’ Pamphlet is being sent to all residential addresses and post office boxes in the county – about 110,000 in all.

There are a total of 78 contests that will be decided during this election, including two statewide initiatives, four advisory votes, seven local measures, and 65 races for local offices, such as school board, fire commissioner, city council and mayor.

“We hope voters will study the measures and candidates and vote early in the process if they are able.” said Dolores Gilmore, Kitsap County auditor.

“Ballots received by the Monday before election day will be included in the initial results on election night.”

A single stamp is enough for every ballot this time around. Ballots must be postmarked no later than Nov. 3 to be counted.

Voters also have the option of dropping off ballots without postage at one of seven elections drop boxes stationed throughout the county. Beginning Friday the drop boxes are available 24 hours a day until 8 p.m. on election night. Locations for the drop boxes are listed on the county elections website.

Turnout is typically lower in elections during odd-numbered years than in years featuring federal and statewide races. This year’s election includes many races in smaller port and utility districts. With smaller districts and lower turnout, it increases the probability of closer votes, making each individual’s vote that much more important.

Kitsap residents registered to vote who do not receive a ballot by Oct. 22 or who have a damaged or lost ballot should request a replacement by contacting the County Elections Office. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On election day, Nov. 3, county elections offices will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Residents who are not currently registered in Washington have until 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 26 to register in person at the county elections office. Ballots for members of the military and Kitsap residents overseas were mailed or emailed on Sept. 19, and some of those voters have already returned ballots.

The Local Voters’ Pamphlet is also available online in PDF format.