King County voters began receiving their ballots and voters' pamphlets last week. This year's General Election ballot is very large, so voters should make sure to read the entire ballot from top to bottom, and front to back before filling it out.

In addition, voters will receive two voters' pamphlets this year - one from King County Elections, with city and county voting information, and one from the state Secretary of State, with federal and state information.

"This election has a record number of ballot measures along with the candidate races, so there's a lot to consider on both sides of your ballot" said Sherril Huff, King County elections director. "Don't forget to sign the voter oath on the back of the return envelope to make sure that your ballot is processed."

King County Elections has projected at 68 percent turnout in King County, with Seattle showing 69 percent and the rest of the county 67 percent.

Voting began last week, and you can vote and return you ballot as soon as you receive it. There are 11 ballot drop boxes open for returning your ballot in person, or you can mail it through the postal service, which requires a first class stamp.

Ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday, Nov. 2 or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on that day. Ballots can also be returned to accessible voting centers during their business hours.

Nearest ballot drop locations include King County Elections, east side of building, 9010 East Marginal Way S. in Tukwila; Federal Way City Hall, 33325 8th Ave. S.; Earlington Business Center, 919 SW Grady Way in Renton; Regional Justice Center, 401 4th Ave. N. in Kent, near parking garage entrance; and King County Administration Building, 500 4th Ave. in Seattle.

If you don't receive a voters' pamphlet in the mail, you can access it online or pick one up at Seattle and King County libraries, or at the Elections office in Tukwila.

Voters can confirm that their ballot was mailed and see its progress online using the ballot tracker on the King County Elections website.

To ensure that voters with disabilities are able to cast a private and independent ballot the county offers accessible voting centers. The accessible voting center at King County Elections opened on Oct. 13; other locations will open Oct. 29. More information on accessible voting centers is available online.

Tips for voting:

• Read the entire ballot front to back and top to bottom before voting
• Read the voters' pamphlet
• Use a black or dark blue ink pen to fill out the ballot
• Tear the stub off of the top of the ballot
• Sign the voter oath on the back of the envelope using your official signature

For more information, you can visit the Elections website, www.kingcounty.gov/elections, or call 206-296-VOTE (8683).
For information on statewide races and voters' pamphlet, contact the Secretary of State.