Voter registration deadline Oct. 5; general election is Nov. 3

If you have not registered to vote in Washington or need to update your registration information, act soon: Oct. 5 is the deadline to register online or via regular mail if you want to vote in the statewide General Election on Nov. 3.

If you have not registered to vote in Washington or need to update your registration information, act soon: Oct. 5 is the deadline to register online or via regular mail if you want to vote in the statewide General Election on Nov. 3.

Secretary of State Sam Reed is urging Washingtonians to register soon and make sure their registration information is up-to-date so their voices can be heard on two hotly debated ballot measures:

— Initiative 1033 aims to cap the annual growth of state, county and city general funds at the rate of inflation plus population growth. Revenue above the cap would be used to reduce property taxes.

— Referendum 71 asks voters to weigh in on a bill passed by the Legislature this year that expands domestic partnership rights and responsibilities.

“In addition to these two ballot measures, there are many mayoral and council races in cities and counties across the state that are of great interest to those communities, especially the County Executive and County Council races in King County and the County Council races in Snohomish County,” Reed said.

“There also are three legislative races in Eastern Washington. There are many reasons to vote in the upcoming election, but you can’t do it if you aren’t registered to vote.”

Closer to home, Friday Harbor voters have a choice of two candidates for mayor for the first time in 12 years. They also have a choice of two candidates for a Town Council position. San Juan Island voters vote for port commissioner and Island Rec commissioner, and will determine the fate of a property tax levy to support recreation and school sports.

San Juan County voters will determine the fate of a property tax levy to support county programs, as well as a proposed ban on fireworks.

The Oct. 5 registration deadline also applies for people who moved or changed their name and want to update their voter registration information accordingly.

Oct. 26 is the last day for in-person registration for citizens not currently registered to vote in Washington. People should go to their county elections office to register in person.

The ONLINE VOTERS’ GUIDE features information about I-1033, R-71, the three legislative races and two judicial contests.