SJC celebrates Voter Education Week by answering elections FAQs

||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||

Do you know what ‘Top 2 Primary’ means? Have you checked your voter registration status? Do you know how to request an absentee ballot? The San Juan County Elections Office is kicking off National Voter Education Week (October 7-11) by answering frequently asked questions about the upcoming election.  

What is a ‘Top 2 Primary?’

Washington State runs a Top 2 Primary which allows voters to choose among all candidates running for each office. The two candidates who receive the most votes in the Primary Election qualify for the General Election.

In the case of San Juan County, voters have two choices in the 2024 General Election for a Councilmember for District 1 (San Juan and Outer Islands) and two choices for a Councilmember for District 2 (Orcas and Outer Islands). You will only vote for one in each race to elect.

Can I vote for a candidate in another district? What if they don’t live on my island?  

Yes! No matter what island you live on, you can vote for all open council seats. In San Juan County, the councilmembers represent all islanders – no matter the island. That’s why we all vote for every district.

For example, if you live on Orcas Island (District 2), you can vote for both District 2 and District 1 candidates. If you live on San Juan Island, you can vote for both District 1 and District 2 candidates. If you live on Lopez, Shaw, or any other island, you can vote for both District 1 and District 2 candidates. Remember – all County councilmembers represent YOU!   

How do I see what is on the ballot? Where is the voter’s pamphlet? 

You can access the San Juan County Official Local Voter’s Pamphlet on the County’s website on the Current Election page: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1292/Current-Election. It will also be mailed to all county residences the week of October 7. This handy booklet includes information about the propositions and candidates you’ll see on the ballot.

How do I get an absentee ballot? 

Contact the San Juan County Elections Office at 360-378-3357 to request a ballot or a replacement ballot, change how you receive your ballot (for example, by email instead of postal mail), or to update your voter registration record (for example, update your mailing address).

If you are away from home or need to print a ballot for any reason, you can access your ballot online though VoteWA.gov, print it and return it by mail or ballot drop box.

How do I fight voter fatigue in the General Election?

Start early! Begin filling out your ballot at the beginning of the 18-day voting window. This will provide extra time for reading the voter pamphlet and making an informed decision.

You can cast your ballot early, too! No need to wait until election day to make your vote count. Your County Elections Office is ready to process ballots early!  

2024 General Election Timeline

• OCTOBER 16 – Domestic ballots are mailed
• OCTOBER 18 – 18-day voting period begins
• OCTOBER 28 – Deadline to receive new voter registrations and voter updates online and by mail for the November General
• NOVEMBER 5 – ELECTION DAY! Open 8 am – 8 pm (Last day to register to vote in-person for the General Election)

Visit the County’s Elections Office webpage to access all elections information https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1221/Elections-Office  or visit https://voter.votewa.gov/portal2023/login.aspx for your specific voter registration information, to access an election calendar, see your elected officials list, access the voters’ guide, or to print a replacement ballot.