SEATTLE — Washington is again on pace for very low voter turnout in this year's general election , continuing a trend that has plagued recent odd-year voting cycles.

The Cascadia Advocate, part of the Northwest Progressive Institute, notes Washington set two turnout records in the last four years: the lowest primary turnout ever in 2021, and the lowest general election turnout ever in 2023. The group argues odd-year elections depress participation because they lack the high-profile races seen in even-numbered years like presidential or congressional cycles.

As of Tuesday, data from the Secretary of State shows only about 19.75% of state voters have returned ballots so far. In King County, turnout is similarly low.

Just 19.54% of eligible voters have returned ballots, about 282,000 fro

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