Ballots printed for next week’s election exceed the weight limit of one ounce for a single first class stamp, due to the number of items appearing on the ballot. Notices in every ballot envelope advised voters to affix an extra 24 cents.

“We want to assure King County voters that when they put their absentee ballot in the mail it will be delivered and counted,” said Councilmember Dow Constantine. “We also hope to institute long-term policies to ensure that any ballot can be returned using just a single stamp.”

King County’s practice has been to arrange with the U.S. Postal Service to have all ballots delivered to the County’s Elections Section and to pay any postage due. The Council’s motion makes that practice official policy — so regardless of the size or weight of the ballot, voters will only have to affix a single first class stamp.

“We don't want confusion, extra hassle, or expense to deter anyone from voting,” said Council Chair Larry Phillips. “Cast your ballot as you normally would, there won’t be a penalty, and your vote will be delivered and counted.”