Democracy Day is a reminder of the upcoming election. Know your ballot information early

Editor’s note: This article is part of U.S. Democracy Day, a nationwide collaborative on Sept. 15, the International Day of Democracy, in which news organizations cover how democracy works and the threats it faces. To learn more, visit usdemocracyday.org.

Election Day is rapidly approaching, with less than two months until Americans will hit the polls and elect the next president.

In the next couple of months, it’s important for voters to educate themselves on aspects of voting. Democracy Day, which falls on Sept. 15, is a great reminder of the duties of eligible voters.

Here’s what you need to know about filling out and turning in your ballot in Tri-Cities.

Understanding your Washington state ballot

Here is an example of a Washington state ballot from Benton County.

When you get your ballot, it will include initiatives, federal office races, state races, local races and local measures. You have one vote per race or measure — if you vote for more than one option, none will be counted.

Use a black or dark blue pen to completely fill in the oval next to your vote on each measure and race.

If you make a mistake or change your mind, you can make a correction by drawing a line through the entire incorrect answer, then fill in the oval for your actual answer.

To write in an alternate candidate, print their name on the Write-In line for the corresponding race, and completely fill in the oval next to it.

Once you’ve made your votes, place your ballot into the security sleeve. Place the security sleeve into the ballot return envelope, then follow the instructions to sign and date the voter declaration.

Returning your Washington state ballot

There are several acceptable methods for returning your ballot in Washington. You can mail it in with a postmark no later than Election Day, or turn it in at any acceptable ballot drop box. Additionally, voting centers are available for in-person voting options.

Important dates:

• Oct. 18: Start of 18-day voting period, ballots mailed
• Oct. 28: Online and mail registration deadline (in-person registration can be done through 8 p.m. on Election Day)
• Nov. 1: Recommended deadline for mail-in ballots
• Nov. 5: Ballot return deadline by 8 p.m.

Here are the ballot drop box locations in Tri-Cities:

Benton County

• Prosser Courthouse - 620 Market Street, Prosser
• Benton City City Hall - 1009 Dale Ave., Benton City
• Kennewick City Hall - 210 W. 6th Ave., Kennewick
• Finley Middle School - 37208 S. Finley Road, Kennewick
• Benton County Campus - 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Kennewick
• Benton County Voting Center - 2618 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Richland
• Badger Mountain Community Park - 350 Keene Road, Richland
• Jefferson Park Drop Box - Symons Street, Richland
• West Richland Library Drop Box - 3803 W. Van Giesen Street, West Richland
• West Richland Municipal Services Facility Building Drop Box - 3100 Belmont Blvd., West Richland
• WSU Tri-Cities Drop Box - 2770 Crimson Way, Richland

Each of these locations, except for the Prosser Courthouse and Benton City City Hall, are drive-through options.

Franklin County

• Franklin County Auditor’s Office - 1016 N. 4th Ave., Pasco (additional drive-up option)
• HAPO Center - 6600 Burden Blvd., Pasco
• Election Center - 116 N. 3rd Ave., Pasco
• Fire Protection District 3 - 2108 Road 84, Pasco
• Connell PUD Shop - 619 W. Clark Street, Connell
• Mesa City Hall - 103 Franklin Street, Mesa
• Fire Protection District 2 - 115 N. Violet Ave., Kahlotus

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This story was originally published September 14, 2024 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Democracy Day is a reminder of the upcoming election. Know your ballot information early."