Washington Voters Return More Than 1.2 Million Ballots Ahead of Election Day

More than 1.2 million ballots had been returned across Washington by the evening of October 27, 2026, as voters prepared for the November 3 general election. The milestone highlights the importance of the final week of voting, with election officials encouraging residents to return their ballots through official drop boxes to help ensure they arrive on time.

Data released by the Washington Secretary of State’s office showed that 68% of returned ballots had been deposited in drop boxes, while 31.1% had been returned by mail as of 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Why This Matters to Washington Residents

Washington conducts elections primarily by mail, making the timely return and processing of ballots a key part of the voting process. The number of ballots received provides an early indication of participation, although it does not establish final turnout or predict election results.

Voters across the state, including in the Seattle, Olympia and Spokane areas, were preparing to make decisions on local races, congressional contests and state-level issues. The results could influence policy priorities and representation at both the state and federal levels.

Drop Boxes Account for Most Ballot Returns

The Secretary of State’s data showed that official drop boxes were the most common method used to return ballots statewide by October 27.

In Spokane County, 55.9% of returned ballots had been deposited in drop boxes, while 44.1% had been returned through the mail. That differed from the statewide pattern, where drop boxes accounted for a larger share of returns.

Election officials recommended that voters use official drop boxes as Election Day approached. Voters choosing to mail their ballots were advised to follow postal guidance and ensure their ballots met the applicable postmark deadline.

What Voters Should Know Before Election Day

Washington voters can check whether their ballot has been received and accepted through the state’s official VoteWA website. Checking ballot status can help voters identify whether further action is needed, such as resolving a signature issue.

Residents should consult their county elections office for official drop-box locations, operating information and instructions for returning ballots. Drop boxes must be used by the applicable deadline, and voters should not assume that a ballot has been accepted simply because it has been placed in the mail or deposited.

Statewide Issues Add to Election Interest

Alongside local and congressional contests, Washington voters are considering state-level questions with potential implications for taxes and public policy.

One issue attracting attention concerns an initiative seeking to repeal the state’s recently enacted tax on annual income above $1 million. Voters should review the official voters’ pamphlet for the exact wording of each measure and the potential effects of a yes or no vote.

What Happens Next?

Ballot returns are expected to continue rising as Election Day approaches. The October 27 figures provide a snapshot of participation at that point in the election cycle, but the final turnout total will not be known until later.

Washington residents can help ensure their ballots are processed by following official instructions, using authorized return options and checking their ballot status through state or county election resources.

For the latest information, voters should rely on the Washington Secretary of State and their county elections office rather than unofficial claims about ballot counts or election results.