What Tri-Cities Voters Need to Know About the Washington Primary

Eleven days, that’s how long Washington state voters have before the August 4 primary election.

A total of 688 races and 1,334 candidates will be on primary ballots across Washington, according to the secretary of state’s office. All 98 seats in the state House, 24 of 49 in the state Senate, and five of the nine state Supreme Court seats are all up for election this year.

What Makes This Primary Important for Tri-Cities Readers

Two U.S. House races are among the most closely watched: the 3rd District in Southwest Washington, which is a battleground that will help decide which party controls Congress, and the 4th District where 11 candidates are vying to replace retiring Republican Congressman Dan Newhouse.

The 4th District race is particularly significant for eastern Washington readers. Newhouse represented a huge swath of central and eastern Washington for years, and the crowded field to replace him makes this primary outcome genuinely unpredictable.

How Washington’s Primary System Works

Washington uses a top-two primary system; all candidates regardless of party appear on the same ballot and the top two vote-getters advance to the November general election.

That means two Republicans, two Democrats, or any combination can advance together. Party affiliation does not guarantee a spot in November; only votes do.

Voters should already have their ballots, after they were mailed July 17. If you have not received your ballot yet or need to check your registration, visit sos.wa.gov.

Seahawks Celebrate 60 – Seattle, Washington

Gallery Credit: Aj Brewster

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