If you’re voting in the November 4 General Election and live in Pierce County, please note: due to recent changes at the U.S. Postal Service, ballots mailed in close to Election Day may not receive a valid post-mark and, under state law, could be rejected. (See citation below.) Given the risk, the safest way to have your vote counted is to use an official ballot drop box or return your ballot with plenty of time for mailing.

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• In Pierce County, you can return your ballot:

  • by mail (no stamp required) — but it must be post-marked by Election Day. Pierce County+1

  • OR into a secure 24/7 official drop box, which remains open until 8 p.m. on Election Day. Pierce County
     

• Because the USPS recently updated its policy clarifying the date of first acceptance doesn’t automatically equal the “postmark” date, some ballots mailed very close to Election Day may not show a valid post-mark and therefore may not count. KIRO 7 News Seattle+1
   

• The drop boxes are free, don’t require a stamp, and drop-off ensures your ballot arrives under the chain-of-custody of election staff. (See article on Pierce County drop-box usage.) techandciviclife.org+1
   

• Map & list of drop-box locations: (provide link to Pierce County official list) Pierce County

“Don’t delay — as soon as you receive your ballot, fill it out and drop it in an official drop box in Pierce County. If you’re mailing it, please mail it at least one week before Election Day to allow for possible delays or post-mark uncertainties. For drop-box locations and detailed instructions, go here: PUYALLUP DROP BOX LOCATIONS