One week before Election Day, a large majority of Whatcom County's ballots have yet to be turned in.

To accommodate the later voters who need replacement ballots, the Election Division of the county Auditor's Office will open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3. The office is at the county courthouse, 311 Grand Ave., Bellingham. Voters may request replacement ballots if an original is lost or damaged.

More than 30,000 ballots had been received at the office by Monday, Oct. 29. County election officials expect to get 100,000 ballots by Election Day.

Ballots must be postmarked no later than Nov. 6. Voters using drop boxes must turn in their ballots by 8 p.m. that day.

The Auditor's Office is taking voters' questions at 360-676-6742 weekdays and during open Saturday hours. More information is also at vote.wa.gov/whatcom.

Ballot tips:

• Do not use felt-tip or glitter pens or Wite-Out.

• Keep the ballot clean of food or grease.

• Leave no stray marks or comments.

• Write-ins should only be real candidates who are not on the ballot.

• Do not tear, misfold or vandalize the ballot.

VOTER INFO

Go to our Local Elections page for news on the issues on your ballot.

You can also search our online voter guide to the Nov. 6 election. Enter your address to see the contested races you are voting in and compare platforms from the candidates in your districts, including the unedited responses to candidate questionnaires. You also can share your endorsements on social media.

Reach RALPH SCHWARTZ at ralph.schwartz@bellinghamherald.com or call 360-715-2289. Read the Politics Blog at blogs.bellinghamherald.com/politics.