King County Elections mailed nearly 1.3 million ballots to voters via the U.S. Postal Service on Wednesday, Oct. 19.

Ballots will arrive soon in mailboxes throughout the county. County officials already sent about 24,000 ballots to overseas and service voters to allow extra time for delivery.

“I encourage everyone to vote, and vote early,” said Julie Wise, director of King County Elections. “This is an important election so make sure your voice is heard.”

Ballots can be returned through the Postal Service, which requires a first class stamp, or they may be returned to any of the 43 ballot drop boxes open for this election. Ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 8 or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

King County voters also will begin receiving their voters’ pamphlet in the mail this week. Voters will receive two voters’ pamphlets, a local one from King County and a state one from the Office of the Secretary of State. Voters’ pamphlets are available online, at Seattle and King County libraries, and at the King County Elections office in Renton.

King County citizens not currently registered to vote in Washington can register in person through 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 31 at the King County Elections office in Renton or through 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 31 at the Voter Registration Annex downtown.

Voters who don’t receive a ballot by Oct. 24 or who have questions should call King County Elections at 206-296-VOTE (8683).