2021 primary voter’s guide: What you need to know about the Aug. 3 primary in the Seattle area

The August 3 primaries will give Seattle voters the opportunity to choose which candidates for mayor will advance to the general election and who will compete in two city-wide city council elections.

The ballot papers will be sent out on July 14th. The ballot papers must be postmarked by Tuesday, August 3rd or deposited in an official mailbox by August 3rd at 8 p.m.

There are several ways to return your ballot papers: by mail, at a ballot box, or at an accessible polling station if you need help.

Here’s what you need to know about the Seattle area primaries on August 3rd.

With Mayor Jenny Durkan not seeking re-election, more than a dozen candidates signed up for the August 3 primaries, including candidates with experience in politics, architecture, economic development and economics.

Top contenders for fundraising, endorsements, and name recognition include: City Council President M. Lorena González; former councilor Bruce Harrell; former State MP Jessyn Farrell; Architect and housing advocate Andrew Grant Houston; and Colleen Echohawk, executive director of the Chief Seattle Club.

Two seats on the Seattle City Council are up for grabs this year, with one race being more competitive than the other.

Reigning 8th position Teresa Mosqueda has pitched more than any of the 10 challengers she faces.

There are seven candidates for the seat at position 9, which González is leaving, with 2017 mayoral candidate Nikkita Oliver, González advisor Brianna Thomas, and brewery owner Sara Nelson being the likely contenders.

For more information on voting, ballot boxes, accessible voting and online voting slips, please contact your district election office. The ballot papers are due on August 3rd at 8 p.m.

For more information on your voting slip, visit each district at: myvote.wa.gov

Seattle District Attorney Pete Holmes, who is up for a fourth term, is challenged by public defenders Nicole Thomas-Kennedy and Ann Davison, who unsuccessfully ran for city council and then Republicans for lieutenant governor.

King County Executive Dow Constantine, also running for a fourth term, faces a challenge from another Democrat, Senator Joe Nguyen of West Seattle, and three lesser-known candidates.

King County’s voters will vote on a proposed extension and expansion of the Best Starts for Kids submission, which has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to 570 programs over the past five years to advance child development by supporting wide-ranging early learning programs. Intervention programs or

Metropolitan King County Council members in Districts 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 compete for these seats.

The top two vote winners in the August 3 primaries in each race will advance to the November 2 general election.