Voters only have a few more days to cast their votes in the 2011 primary election. Ballots must be returned by Tuesday, Aug. 16. Ballots must be postmarked by that day or in a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. Some ballot drop box locations have changed, so be sure to check the voters’ pamphlet or the King County Elections website for an updated list.

To avoid the lines that can form on Election Day, return your ballot early and get in touch with King County Elections if you need a replacement ballot or have other questions. The Voter Hotline is open week days, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at 206-296-8683. If you plan to return your ballot from a post office on Election Day, make sure to check the schedule ahead of time, as some have recently reduced their evening hours.

“We’re ready for the final rush of ballots over the next few days, and I encourage voters to return their ballots as early as possible,” said Elections Director Sherril Huff. “We’ve already received nearly 200,000 ballots and have projected a 52 percent turnout for this election.”

King County Elections recently returned to its Renton headquarters. This location offers a wonderful viewing loop for the public to take a self-guided tour without an appointment to observe the election process in action. The best days to visit are weekdays from now until Aug. 19, during business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, Aug. 16).

Election results will be reported on the Elections website, at 8:15 p.m. on Aug. 16, and updated on subsequent days at 4:30 p.m.  Voters can also visit the website to track their ballot and confirm that it was received by Elections.

Voters can visit the Elections website, www.kingcounty.gov/elections, or call the Elections office at 206-296-8683 for assistance and information.