This past weekend, I dropped off my ballot at a designated drop box and received a confirmation text by Monday morning indicating that it had been counted. This efficient system—where you can track your ballot status and sign up for alerts—is how all states should operate. King County Elections provides an excellent resource for this.
I cycled to the drop box near Gas Works Park, which got me thinking: could this be the most bike-friendly ballot drop box in Seattle? It’s conveniently located right across from the Burke-Gilman Trail, which makes it a strong contender. In fact, I created a map that overlays ballot drop box locations with Seattle’s bike facilities, revealing numerous bike-friendly options throughout the city. As election day approaches, it’s wise to utilize drop boxes instead of mailing your ballot, to avoid potential postal delays or misdeliveries.
For those in King County, you can find an interactive map of all ballot drop box locations on the King County Elections website. There are also available maps for nearby counties like Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish.
If you are registered in King County but have lost your ballot or did not receive one, the good news is that you can print a replacement ballot online. While the online registration deadline has passed, you can still register in person up until election day at the King County Elections Office in Renton.
To promote voter participation, Lime and Bird are offering two free rides to voters through election day. Use the code VOTE2024 on the Lime app or RockTheVote2024 on the Bird app to take advantage of this offer.
Additionally, there are volunteer opportunities available to support Seattle’s Proposition 1, the Seattle Transportation Levy. The No on I-2117 campaign is also organizing a large phone banking event to encourage voting, which anyone can join from anywhere. While polls seem promising, the accuracy of polling data has been declining as fewer people respond to unknown numbers. It’s crucial to rally support for these measures that enhance biking and walking safety, as every vote matters.
By 8 p.m. Tuesday, it should be a goal for every voter to have both their bicycle and ballot ready—let’s ensure we make our voices heard!
This article highlights the proactive steps individuals can take to ensure their votes are counted and emphasizes the importance of supporting local initiatives that promote sustainable transportation. Engaging the community in the electoral process not only reinforces democratic values but also strengthens public safety and environmental considerations within the city.