2012 General Election
- 3,910,190 active registered voters in Washington.
o Over 178,000 registered or reactivated since the August Primary.
o Approximately 60,000 military and overseas voters
- Ballot return rate about 38% as of Thursday, Nov. 1.
o May indicate an overall turnout above the 81% prediction.
- Election night returns will reflect about 60% of all ballots eventually counted in the election.
o About 90% of ballots will be counted by Friday.
- Close races will remain close; clear winner may not be known until Friday.
- Counties certify on Tuesday, Nov. 27. State will certify Wednesday, Dec. 5.
What is on the ballot?
- President
- 8 statewide ballot measures
o Same-sex marriage
o Legalization of marijuana
o Charter schools
o Taxes
- U.S. Senate
- 10 Congressional races
o Special election to fill the vacancy in the 1st District
o Open seats in the 1st, 6th and 10th District
- 9 statewide executive races
o Open seats in 4 races
- 98 state House races
- 26 state Senate races
- Judicial races: Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Superior Court
- County offices
- Local ballot measures
What are people asking?
- How do I return my ballot?
o In a ballot drop box by 8:00 pm Election Day. Locations available at www.myvote.wa.gov
o By mail with a postmark no later than Election Day. Check the pick-up time on the box if mailing on Tuesday.
- How do I get a replacement ballot?
o Contact your county elections office by phone, email or website. This close to the election, many offices are issuing ballots electronically.
- What are the Advisory Votes?
o First time on the ballot, created in Initiative 960 in 2007.
o Language dictated by Initiative 960 is very confusing, little information available in the Voters’ Pamphlet.
- Is the Voters’ Pamphlet available online?
o All races at www.vote.wa.gov and personalized information at www.myvote.wa.gov
