SPOKANE, Wash. – There are only a few days left to mail in your ballot before the primary elections Tuesday.
This year is a big election year for Spokane voters but at this point, the number of ballots turned in by voters remains low.
Voters are facing a packed ballot, with 28 candidates currently running for governor and 10 running to represent Eastern Washington in Congress.
As of Friday, 16.71% of Spokane County ballots have been returned. Statewide, that number is even lower at 15.82%.
Spokane resident Devin Harrison said what motivates him to vote in local elections is the direct impact it has on the community.
“Those are the ones you can really influence a lot more,” Harrison said.
Spokane County Superior Court Judge Timothy Fennysee is running for his third term. He acknowledged the importance of local elections, and that this years ballot is a hefty one.
“I think people are also just a little bit election fatigued. Some would argue it hasn’t stopped since 2020,” Judge Fennysee said.
The primary election solidifies the top two voted-on candidates, who then move forward to the general election in November.
Elise Stewart lives in Spokane’s West Central neighborhood. Steward dropped off her ballot Saturday and was shocked to hear about the current voter turnout numbers.
“We have such a great country, a great city, and we just need to cherish it and fix the things that are wrong with it,” she said.
Michael Baumgartner, a contender for the 5th District Congressional Race, said he believes in the honor behind exercising your right to vote. Baumgartner has been active on the campaign trail, reminding people to mail in their ballots on time.
“Everyone in Spokane and all of Eastern Washington needs to do their right to vote,” he said.
As of Friday, the number of voters in Washington under the age of 34 who mailed in their ballot is around 94%.
Harrison said he feels casting your vote in today’s political landscape can sometimes feel pointless, but it still has to be done.
“It’s something I didn’t do for all of my twenties and seeing the political landscape now, I wish I did that,” Harrison said.
There is still time to register to vote in the primary election. You can register in person at the Spokane County elections office by August 6 at 8 p.m.
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