Whitman County primary ballots: Colfax voter deadlines (Aug. 4, 8 p.m.)

Colfax-area voters in Whitman County are expected to receive their mail ballots for the Aug. 4 Washington primary beginning Friday, July 17. The key deadlines start ticking soon after: if you don’t have a ballot by July 24, the Whitman County Elections Office advises contacting the county for help or a replacement.

Washington’s vote-by-mail timeline also includes a statewide cutoff for online/mail voter registration updates and strict ballot return rules for getting your ballot counted.

When ballots are expected to arrive (July 17 start date)

Whitman County’s election notice and the Washington Secretary of State’s statewide guidance both point to ballots being mailed out so voters can begin receiving them starting Friday, July 17. Delivery times can vary, but Whitman County encourages voters to use July 24 as the “don’t wait any longer” check-in point.

If your ballot doesn’t show up by July 24, contact Whitman County

If you haven’t received your ballot by Friday, July 24, contact the Whitman County Elections Office to request assistance. This matters because late mail handling can squeeze the time you have to get a replacement and still meet Washington’s election return deadlines.

Registration and address updates: finish by Monday, July 27

Washington election guidance sets a statewide deadline of Monday, July 27 for online and mail voter registration and address updates related to the August Primary.

In person, voters can make registration and address updates at the Elections office through 8 p.m. on Election Day (Aug. 4).

How to return your ballot: postmarked by Election Day and/or drop box by 8 p.m.

Washington’s vote-by-mail rules include two related timing requirements for the Aug. 4 election:

• Mail return: your ballot must be postmarked no later than Election Day.
• Drop box or in-person return: ballots must be deposited by 8 p.m. on Aug. 4.

For voters using an official ballot drop box, the Washington Secretary of State notes that drop boxes are generally open 24/7 during the voting period and then close at 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Double-check before you return it

Before putting your ballot in the mail or using a drop box, it can help to confirm your ballot and registration status. Washington election guidance points voters to use VoteWA.gov to verify registration and ballot information, and emphasizes keeping your mailing address current so your ballot goes to the right place.

Bottom line: mark July 17 (ballots begin arriving), July 24 (contact the county if yours hasn’t arrived), July 27 (finish online/mail updates), and Aug. 4 at 8 p.m. (drop box/in-person return deadline).

Sources

• Whitman County Gazette (Colfax/Whitman coverage) — “Ballots expected next Friday” (Jul. 9, 2026)
• Washington Secretary of State — “Washington counties mail ballots for August 4 Primary” (Jul. 16, 2026)
• Whitman County (WA) — “Vote by Mail”