OKANOGAN – Ballots for Washington’s first Top Two Primary on Aug 19 went into the mail on July 31, according to Mila Jury, an election official with the Okanogan County Auditor’s office.

Under the Top Two Primary system voters do not have to pick a political party. Instead in each race, they may vote for any one candidate listed. The two candidates who receive the most votes in the August Primary will advance to the November General Election. Each candidate for partisan office may state a political party that he or she prefers. A candidate’s preference does not imply that the candidate is nominated or endorsed by the party or that the party approves of or associates with that candidate.

Ballots must be signed and postmarked no later than the day of the election, August 19, 2008. Ballots can also be dropped off or replacement ballots obtained at the auditor’s office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, up to Election Day.

On Election Day only, the auditor’s office will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to drop off ballots or obtain replacement ballots if needed.On Election Day only, voters may also drop off ballots at the Omak Public Library, 30 S Ash St.

Those eligible voters that are not currently registered in the State of Washington, may appear in person up until Monday, Aug. 4 to register to vote.

If a voter does not get their ballot by Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008, they are asked to call the Okanogan County Auditor’s Office at (509) 422-7240.