Washington state’s Presidential Primary is underway. Ballots were mailed on Feb. 21 to all active registered voters in Clallam County, while military and overseas voters’ ballots were mailed on Jan. 26.

Unlike regular elections, Washington’s March 12 Presidential Primary is a way for voters to assists major political parties choose presidential nominees.

For this Primary only, the major political parties require voters to mark and sign the party declaration. For those who choose to participate, their choice of party will not affect how they can vote in future elections.

To participate, mark and sign a political party declaration (check the box) on the ballot return envelope for the vote to count (per RCW 29A.56.050).

Each ballot packet includes an instruction sheet to ensure votes cast in the election are counted. Party declarations are included on the ballot return envelope, and candidates from political parties appear on the consolidated ballot.

Printed statewide voters’ pamphlets were mailed to all Clallam County residences in late February. A printable copy is available at clallamcountywa.gov/elections. In addition, an online voters’ guide is available at votewa.gov.

Election Staff have opened the official ballot drop boxes located throughout Clallam County and ballot collection has begun. In Sequim drop off ballots in drop boxes at 651 W. Washington St. or next to the Sunny Farms Country Store, 261461 U.S. Highway 101.

Those returning ballot through these official drop boxes by mail do not need to affix a stamp.

Ballots must be deposited in an official ballot drop box (or postmarked) by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, March 12. Voters returning their ballot less than a week before Election Day are encouraged to use an official ballot drop box.

To help elderly and voters with disabilities in voting their ballot, an Accessible Voting Unit is available in the Elections and Voter Registration Office at the Clallam County Courthouse, 223 E. Fourth St. through 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Registered voters who do not receive a ballot packet should call or visit the Elections and Voter Registration Office for a replacement.

Voters can also securely access a replacement ballot delivered online at votewa.gov.