John Sheller with King County Library System, director Julie Wise of King County Elections and King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove celebrate July 15 bringing a ballot box to the Panther Lake Library in Kent. COURTESY PHOTO, King County Elections

John Sheller with King County Library System, director Julie Wise of King County Elections and King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove celebrate July 15 bringing a ballot box to the Panther Lake Library in Kent. COURTESY PHOTO, King County Elections

Voters can drop off ballots at Panther Lake Library in Kent

Ballot box moved to new site from Kentridge High School

Kent-area voters in the Aug. 3 primary can use a new ballot box placed at the Panther Lake Library, 20500 108th Ave. SE.

King County Elections, King County Library System (KCLS) and County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove were at the library July 15 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the same day that drop boxes opened for ballots across the county. King County Elections mailed ballots on July 14.

The ballot drop box was moved from its previous location at Kentridge High School to ensure 24-hour access during the voting period. The new location at the Kent Panther Lake Library is accessible to voters at all hours with free and convenient parking.

“Access to voting is our number one priority at King County Elections,” said Elections Director Julie Wise in a news release. “Democracy works best when all voices are heard and drop boxes play an important role in making sure that all King County voters can speak up for themselves and their communities.”

In King County, 96% of registered voters live within a 3-mile radius of a drop box location. In the 2020 presidential election, about 75% of ballots were cast via drop box. KCLS hosts ballot drop boxes at many libraries across the county. Voters can find a library drop box location near them and more information about how to stay informed at kcls.org/elections.

“The King County Library System supports an active and engaged electorate,” stated KCLS executive director Lisa Rosenblum. “We have been proud to partner with King County Elections to host 22 ballot drop boxes, and are excited to see the 23rd one installed at the Kent Panther Lake Library.”

“King County undoubtedly has some of the best elections in the country and our shared commitment to access plays no small role in that,” Upthegrove said. “Our elections team works tirelessly to ensure that every vote can be counted and every voice heard, and I’m happy to support them in that work.”




Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website http://kowloonland.com.hk/?big=submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

Courtesy Photo, King County
Prolific tagger faces charges for damage to Kent water tower

Man one of dozens who reportedly tagged properties across King County, including West Hill tower

t
Federal Way man charged in Kent I-5 crash that killed passenger

Documents state that evidence reportedly showed he was the driver, but he blamed the passenger.

The Kent Police Department went all out with their “Moana” themed display - even Maui showed up. Photo by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.
The Hogwarts Express pulls into Battle of the Badges | Photos

The 2024 Battle of the Badges took over the Renton Technical College on Dec. 14.

Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Police
City of Kent crime numbers drop in 2024 compared to 2023

Vehicle thefts, commercial burglaries and robberies see big decreases

Courtesy Photo, Kent School District
Kent School District says it ‘will do better next time’ with school closures

Late notifications issued about closures after Dec. 18 windstorm

t
Kent Police arrest pair for downtown robbery of pedestrian

Reportedly used pepper spray to attack Kent man, 56, as he walked on sidewalk Dec. 16

Meeker Middle School, one of six schools closed Wednesday, Dec. 18 in the Kent School District due to power outages from a windstorm. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Windstorm causes closure of six Kent schools due to power outages

Four elementary, two middle schools closed Wednesday, Dec. 18; couple of city roads closed

Volunteers wrap gifts during the 2023 Toys for Joy program. COURTESY PHOTO, Puget Sound Fire
Puget Sound Fire puts out plea for more Toys for Joy donations

Toys needed for children ages 9 to 12; more bikes, scooters requested; deadline is Dec. 20

t
Kent man, 19, faces multiple charges after pursuit near Wenatchee

Driver reportedly fails to stop for state trooper, crashes stolen vehicle along State Route 97

Kent School District Board Director Awale Farah, left, and Superintendent Israel Vela at a high school graduation last summer. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Awale Farah resigns immediately from Kent School Board

Says because of ‘family commitments’ he cannot fulfill rest of his term that expires in November 2025

t
Kent’s Lower Russell Levee project receives John Spellman Award

City, King County Flood District and other partners recognized for historic preservation

Northwood Middle School, 17007 SE 184th St., in unincorporated part of King County in Renton and part of the Kent School District. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Calls about man trying to access Northwood Middle School causes lockdown

Deputies arrest man for investigation of resisting arrest, obstruction at Kent School District property