The race to replace state Rep. Shay Schual-Berke in the 33rd district and a challenge to state Sen. Margarita Prentice in the 11th district by two fellow Democrats highlight the Aug. 19 primary election ballot in Highline.

Besides the absence of Schual-Berke, another new feature will be the Top 2 ballot.

Instead of a Democrat and Republican automatically moving on to the Nov. 4 general election, the top two vote getters-regardless of party-will be listed on the general election ballot. Candidates may list a party preference, but are not required to.

A Democrat and Republican will face each other again in the fall for Schual-Berke's seat.

Tina Orwall, a social worker and past chairwoman of the 33rd District Democrats, and Todd Gibson, an advertising agency owner and Highline Community College adjunct instructor, are the only ones running for the vacant seat.

Kent City Councilwoman Elizabeth Albertson dropped out of the race earlier.

Gibson is listed on the ballot as preferring the G.O.P. Party.

Schual-Berke served ten years in the state Legislature.

For the other 33rd District House seat, incumbent Dave Upthegrove, prefers Democrat Party, is being challenged by Tan Lam, prefers G.O.P. Party.

In the 11th District, covering parts of Burien, Tukwila and SeaTac, two Democrats will face each in the general election.

Two fellow party members are challenging Sen. Margarita Prentice, powerful chairwoman of the state Senate Ways and Means Committee.

Juan Martinez is an ex-aide to Congressman Jim McDermott and former co-director of the Washington Tax Fairness Coalition.

Scott McKay is a trial lawyer who lives in South Park.

In the 11th District House races, incumbent Zack Hudgins, prefers Democratic Party, is running against David M. Morris, prefers Cut Taxes G.O.P. Party, and Democratic incumbent Bob Hasegawa is being challenged by Republican John Potter.

In the 34th District, Sen. Joe McDermott, Rep. Eileen Cody and Rep. Sharon Nelson, all Democrats, are running unopposed.

Also on the primary ballot are races for state offices, Congressional seats and judicial positions.