Primary Election Day is August 5: Here's What You Need to Know

 
 

Tuesday, August 5, is Primary Election Day in Washington State, and this year’s ballot brings some of the most important local decisions we’ve seen in over a decade. From shaping the future of our parks and trails through Proposition 1 to selecting new leadership for King County and Issaquah, your vote will help guide the direction of our region for years to come.

Here’s what’s on the local ballot, why it matters, and how to make sure your vote is counted:

King County Parks Levy (Proposition 1)

Prop 1 is a proposed renewal of the King County Parks Levy. If passed, it will continue funding for parks, trails, and open space, including land in and around the Issaquah Alps. The levy supports habitat restoration, climate resilience, local city parks, and natural area stewardship. If you value clean water, public trail access, and healthy forests, Prop 1 is a critical measure. Without it, many ongoing efforts to protect and maintain our regional natural areas could slow down or be scaled back.

 
 

King County Executive

For the first time in 16 years, King County voters will elect a new Executive, a leadership change that comes at a pivotal moment. The Executive oversees key regional services like Metro Transit, emergency management, housing, and public health, while also helping set the county’s direction on land use, environmental protection, and growth. This election is especially important for areas like the Issaquah Alps, where increasing development pressure threatens to outpace planning. The next Executive will help shape how King County responds to urban sprawl, protects open space, and builds a climate-resilient future.

Local Mayors and City Councils

There will also be a leadership transition closer to home. After 8 years of incredible leadership, Issaquah will elect a new mayor this fall. This is a key moment for a city at the crossroads of rapid urban development and environmental conservation. City leaders make critical decisions about zoning, housing, public safety, transportation, and land use, all of which affect the health and accessibility of the Issaquah Alps region. Whether it's approving development near forest edges, investing in trail access, or preserving green corridors, these decisions are made at the city level. Several city council seats are also on the ballot in Issaquah, Bellevue, and other nearby communities. These local leaders will shape how our cities grow and how they balance that growth with sustainability, climate resilience, and conservation of our natural spaces.

If you care about the trails, wildlife corridors, traffic near trailheads, or the environmental health of the Issaquah Alps, this is your chance to vote for a vision that aligns with your values.

 Key Dates & Deadlines

  • August 5: Primary Election Day
    Ballots must be submitted by 8:00 p.m. Drop it in a secure King County drop box or mail it—just make sure it’s postmarked no later than the morning of August 5. It’s also the final day to register or update your voter information (in person only). Visit a voting center by 8:00 p.m. to register, update your address, or get help voting.

  • October 17: The 18-day voting period begins.
    Ballots are mailed out (check your mailboxes!). Accessible Voting Units (AVUs) are available at voting centers.

  • October 27: Deadline to register or update your voter info online or by mail.

  • November 4: Election Day!
    Final day to register or update your voter information in person. Return your ballot to an official drop box by 8:00 p.m. or make sure it’s postmarked by this date if sending by mail.

How to Vote

  • Ballot Drop Boxes: Open 24/7 through 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. You’ll find them across King County, including in Issaquah, Bellevue, Newcastle, and other communities around the Alps.

  • Vote by Mail: No stamp needed. Just complete your ballot, sign the envelope, and drop it in the mail by the morning of August 5.

  • Need Help? Accessible Voting Units (AVUs) are available starting July 18 at county voting centers.

This Election Will Shape the Future

Leadership is changing, and your vote matters more than ever. With new leaders coming to both King County and Issaquah, we have a rare opportunity to influence how our region grows, how our parks and trails are protected, and how we balance development with conservation.

Whether you’re passionate about outdoor access, forest conservation, affordable housing, or smart planning, this is your moment to weigh in.

Vote by August 5—and help shape the future of the Issaquah Alps and King County.

 
Kim Ngo