For the Reporter

As the Aug. 2 primary election approaches, King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer joined King County Elections Director Julie Wise in officially opening a new ballot drop box at the Auburn Library.

The drop box, at 1102 Auburn Way S., is one of two new drop box locations in King County Council District 7.

Von Reichbauer co-sponsored the expansion of ballot boxes earlier this year.

“Voter turnout has been extremely low, and providing citizens the opportunity to have their voice heard through expanding additional ballot drop box locations may increase participation in the election process,” von Reichbauer said. “Now 91 percent of voters will live or work within three miles of a ballot drop box location.”

The Auburn Library drop box is part of King County’s initiative to quadruple the number of drop boxes. A total of 43 boxes will be ready for this year’s General Election, with 29 open for the Aug. 2 primary. The Auburn location is one of two new locations in King County Council District 7 which encompasses South King County.

The other new location in District 7 is at the Algona Pacific Library, which is also available for the Aug. 2 primary. In addition, the Federal Way City Hall will receive an upgraded ballot drop box by the Nov. 8 general election.

Ballot drop boxes are a tool to improve voter access and convenience. Of the 43 countywide-chosen locations, 24 of them are located at public libraries. Twenty-six locations are in areas that score highest in key equity demographic characteristics. Six locations are located in unincorporated King County.

For more information about King County Elections and the new drop boxes visit kingcounty.gov.