Almost 18 percent of all ballots mailed for the Aug. 1 primary election have been returned as of Tuesday, July 25.

Ballots must be received or be postmarked by Aug. 1 in order to be counted.

Of 24,395 ballots mailed to voters earlier this month, 4,318 ballots have been returned, according to the Jefferson County Auditor’s Office.

For those in a hurry to cast their ballots – and to not waste a stamp – ballot boxes are located at the Jefferson County Library, 620 Cedar Ave., in Port Hadlock; behind the Jefferson County Courthouse at 1820 Jefferson St. (a drive-up box); and inside the Jefferson County Courthouse in the hallway outside the auditor’s office.

Three new ballot boxes have been installed at the Brinnon Community Center, the Quilcene Community Center and the Nordland fire station on Marrowstone Island.

ON THE BALLOT

Jefferson County voters may find three races on their ballot, depending on where they live.

There is a Position 1 seat on the Jefferson County Public Hospital District 2 board, better known as Jefferson Healthcare’s board of commissioners, for which Cheri Van Hoover, Bruce J. McComas and Bernie Donanberg are seeking a six-year seat.

The race is nonpartisan, and the top two vote-getters move on to the Nov. 7 general election.

There also is a four-year District 5 director seat on the Chimacum School District No. 49 board, for which Jared Shepherd, Wilma J. Hackman and Jack McKay are vying.

Only registered voters in the Chimacum district have that race on their ballot.

And again, only the top two vote-getters move on to the Nov. 7 general election.

Some Jefferson County voters also will see a race for the Pos. 2 seat on the Clallam County Fire District 3 board, for which Sean Ryan, Robert Porrazzo and Steven Chinn are seeking a six-year short and full term.

Ballot boxes remain open until 8 p.m. on Election Day.