“When I was elected, one of my commitments was to remove barriers to voting,” Julie said. “As we increase access with prepaid postage and ballot drop boxes, we’re beginning to see a real impact.”

Pictured: Left to right, Councilmember Rod Dembowski, Elections Director Julie Wise, King County Executive Dow Constantine.

Our proposal builds on the successful work we did testing prepaid postage early last year. Our prepaid postage pilot resulted in more engaged voters and a higher voter turnout rate. This proves the importance of prepaid postage and is one more way we’re working hard to give voters additional ways to make their voice heard. This includes quadrupling ballot drop boxes, continuing to translate materials and engaging the community in our voter education fund.

This proposal will allow for prepaid postage throughout the rest of this year, to be used in the August and November elections. Afterwards, prepaid postage will be an annual budget item.

For more information about how we’re helping people exercise their right to vote, read our press release about the conference here.