Ballots arrive Oct. 13; Orting drop box is at Fire Station 40

Here are the key dates for the November 3 general election:

• Oct. 13: Ballots are mailed, a few days earlier than usual, and drop boxes open. The county says ballots should arrive between Oct. 13 and 17.
• Oct. 26: Last day to register or update your registration online or by mail. Mailed forms must be received by this date.
• Through 8 p.m. Nov. 3: You can still register and vote in person at a county vote center. The nearest one for the Orting area is at Pierce College Puyallup, 1601 39th Ave. SE.
• Nov. 3, 8 p.m.: Drop boxes close. First results come out at 8:15 p.m.

Orting's drop box is at Central Pierce Fire & Rescue Station 40, 401 Washington Ave. SE. It is open 24 hours a day from Oct. 13 until 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.

Because of Postal Service cuts, the Auditor's Office strongly recommends using a drop box. If you mail your ballot, the county says to send it at least a week early. If you have questions or think a drop box is full, call Pierce County Elections at 253-798-8683 (VOTE).