SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. – Voters still have time to register to vote, replace a ballot or envelopes at two Voter Service Centers. But if you just need to return your ballot, Spokane County Elections officials recommend using secure drop boxes or postal mail to avoid construction and cold weather.
Officials warn voters that access to the downtown Voter Service Center, 1033 W. Gardner Ave., will be restricted by construction during Election Week, as the city completes paving of Monroe Street, between Boone Avenue and the Monroe Street Bridge. Parking also is limited, making the Voter Service Center in Spokane Valley more appealing.
“Access to CenterPlace will be easier for most voters than downtown,” said county Elections Manager Mike McLaughlin, “but returning your ballot by mail or drop box is even easier.”
CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, will be open to assist voters on Monday and Tuesday, November 7-8.
Voter Service Centers are designed to help those who need to register to vote or to replace a lost or mangled ballot or envelope ─ not for voting in person. The centers also operate an assistive device that allows voters with sight or mobility impairments to vote independently.
“You can vote in person from your kitchen table,” McLaughlin said. “Just sign the envelope and get your ballot in the mail or drop box as soon as possible.”
Spokane County has 25 secure drop box locations where voters can submit ballots at local libraries, town halls, and other sites. Ballots must be in the box by 8 p.m. Tuesday, November 8, to be counted.
However, be aware that the Indian Trail and South Hill library drop boxes are closed this year because of construction. The nearest alternative to Indian Trail is Shadle Park Library, 2111 W. Wellesley Ave.; the nearest to South Hill is either Moran Prairie Library, 6004 S. Regal St. or Liberty Park Library, 401 S. Pittsburg St.
Voters also can return their ballots by mail (postage-free!), saving a drive in the increasingly wintry weather. Ballots, however, must be postmarked no later than November 8 to be validated.
Extended hours at the county Voter Service Centers are available, beginning Saturday:
VOTER SERVICE CENTERS HOURS:
Spokane County Elections, 1033 W. Gardner Ave.
8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, November 5
8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, November 7
7 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday, November 8
CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place., Spokane Valley
8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, November 7
7 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday, November 8
Voters can find additional help at www.spokanecounty.org/elections