Ballot drop boxes
A ballot drop box is a way for voters to securely return their mail ballot, without the cost of postage. Please note, some drop boxes are not open for every election. Check this website and your voters' pamphlet for a list of drop boxes for each election.
We encourage voters to return ballots early in order to be included in election night results and to allow time to resolve any issues that might arise with a signature.
Dates and Times
Ballot drop boxes are only open during an election. For the April 2012 special election, ballot drop boxes were open from 12:00 a.m. Thursday March 29 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday April 17.
By law, ballots cannot be accepted at ballot drop boxes after 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
How do I use a ballot drop box?
Carefully follow the instructions on the ballot envelope. Place the ballot in the security envelope, seal all envelopes, sign the outer envelope, and deposit your ballot packet into the box.
How do I know my ballot is secure?
Ballots are collected regularly from each drop box by King County Elections. Two official elections workers will use a chain of custody process to transport all ballots.
Ballot packets are delivered to the Elections facility where they are processed with other returned mail ballots. The signature on every ballot is checked against the voter’s registration file and, if it matches, the ballot moves forward.
What if I mail my ballot at the Post Office?
Ballots returned via the U.S. Postal Service require one first class stamp. Visit the U.S. Postal Service website 
for more information on collection boxes or postage rates.
