Your Vote Is Your Voice: Washington’s 2026 Primary Is Underway
The Washington State Primary Election is underway, and ballots must be submitted this upcoming Tuesday by 8:00 PM. Primary elections are held annually in Washington State. In even-numbered years, elections for federal, state, and many county offices are held. In odd-numbered years, primary elections for city, school board, and other local offices are held. Despite its importance in determining who will be on the November general election ballot, voters often overlook the primary election, as voter turnout tends to be lower. Data from the Washington Secretary of State’s Elections Division shows that in 2024, 78.95% of Washington voters cast a ballot in November’s general election, while just 40.91% voted in the August primary. In 2025, 39.24% of registered voters submitted a ballot for the general election, while just 28.59% voted in the primary. Comparing both years, we see disparities in voter turnout in the federal and state election cycles and local elections.
The 2027 legislative session will present a host of challenges. In a June 25th press conference, Governor Bob Ferguson stated that Washington will likely see a multi-billion-dollar budget deficit. While the millionaire’s tax passed to create a new revenue stream for our state, it will be on the ballot for voters to determine its fate; it has also been challenged in court under the nearly century-old Washington State Supreme Court precedent treating income as property. In addition to House and Senate elections, five of the nine Washington State Supreme Court seats are up for election. This election is consequential as lawmakers are at the helm of decisions that will impact our state for generations to come. Despite budget challenges in the last two years, PCS still succeeded in securing more than $30 million in capital and operating budget dollars for community organizations and businesses providing essential services across various issue spaces. From equitable access to education and youth services to affordable housing, we’ve made a widespread impact benefiting those who need it most.
Your vote is your voice, and those elected to positions of power can enact lasting change across our state. In times of economic uncertainty at the state level, in addition to federal funding cuts, every vote counts. With billions of state dollars on the line for programs and organizations that support underserved communities and provide pathways to success for Washingtonians, it is crucial that we don’t underestimate the power of our vote. At PCS, we strongly encourage civic engagement in all elections so that every eligible voter has a say in our state’s trajectory.
To register to vote, visit the following link: https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/voters/voter-registration/register-vote-washington
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