Pierce County Election Day 2026: Ballot Drop-Off Locations and Transit Proposition 1

Pierce County Voters Face November 3 Deadline as Transit Measure Takes Center Stage

Election Day in Pierce County: How to Return Your Ballot

Tuesday, November 3, 2026, is Election Day in Pierce County, Washington. Registered voters are reminded to return their completed ballots before the official deadline of 8:00 p.m. Residents can submit their ballots through an official ballot drop box or by mailing them through the United States Postal Service.

With several local and statewide issues on the November ballot, election officials encourage residents to make their voting arrangements before the end of the day.

How to Return Your Ballot in Pierce County

Washington State conducts elections primarily by mail, allowing registered voters to complete their ballots at home and return them without visiting a traditional polling station.

There are two main ways to submit a completed ballot:

• Official ballot drop boxes: Voters can deposit their ballots at any designated official drop box in Pierce County. Drop boxes are available throughout the county and remain open until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
• By mail: Completed ballots can also be returned using the prepaid return envelope provided with the ballot. Mailed ballots must receive an Election Day postmark to qualify.

Voters choosing the mailing option should check with the U.S. Postal Service to confirm that their ballots will receive a November 3 postmark. Because postal processing times can vary, using an official ballot drop box is another way to ensure the ballot is submitted before the deadline.

Before returning a ballot, voters should also remember to sign their ballot return envelope.

Find an Official Ballot Drop Box Near You

Pierce County provides numerous official ballot drop box locations to make voting accessible to residents in different communities.

Locations are available in Tacoma, Puyallup, Lakewood, Gig Harbor, Bonney Lake, University Place, Spanaway, and other areas throughout the county.

Residents can find the nearest drop box, review election information, and check their voter registration through the following official resources:

• Washington State voter information: https://VoteWA.gov
• Pierce County Elections: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/328/Elections
• Pierce County ballot drop box locations: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/334/Ballot-Drop-Boxes

These websites provide updated election information and resources to help residents complete the voting process.

Pierce Transit Offers Transportation Options for Voters

Residents who need transportation to a ballot drop box can use Pierce Transit services to plan their trip.

Pierce Transit has provided an online system map showing ballot drop box locations near bus routes. Voters can also use the agency's trip planner to identify available public transportation connections.

These resources can help residents who do not have access to a personal vehicle reach an official ballot return location.

Transportation planning resources are available at:

• Pierce Transit system map: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/49b446d93d104aefa25a78414d298522/
• Pierce Transit trip planner: https://tripplanner.piercetransit.org/

Residents are encouraged to check their routes and schedules before traveling.

Pierce Transit Proposition 1 Appears on the November Ballot

Another important issue facing voters in the Pierce Transit service area is Proposition 1, a proposed measure designed to fund expanded local public transportation services.

If approved, the proposition would provide funding for an estimated 47% increase in transit service throughout Pierce Transit's existing service area.

The proposed improvements include:

• More frequent bus service and shorter waiting times.
• New bus routes serving additional communities.
• Seasonal waterfront trolley services and transportation for special events.
• Improved connections to transit hubs and regional light rail.
• Longer operating hours, including additional evening service.
• Expanded SHUTTLE transportation for people with disabilities.
• Fare-free bus and SHUTTLE rides for seniors aged 65 and older.

The proposal is intended to increase transportation options and improve access to employment, education, healthcare, and other destinations throughout the service area.

What Would Proposition 1 Cost?

Proposition 1 proposes increasing Pierce Transit's local sales tax rate from 0.6% to 0.9%.

This represents an additional 0.3%, or approximately three cents for every $10 spent on qualifying taxable purchases.

The proposed funding would support maintaining and expanding public transportation services throughout the Pierce Transit service area.

Residents can review the proposed improvements, estimated costs, service plans, and other details on the official information website:

https://ballot.piercetransit.org/

Election Day: Important Information for Residents

With the November 3 deadline approaching, voters should make sure their completed ballots are returned on time.

Here are the key reminders:

• Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
• Ballot drop-off deadline: 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
• Mail-in ballots: Must be postmarked no later than November 3.
• Official drop box locations: Available through the Pierce County Elections website.
• Voter information: Available at VoteWA.gov.

Residents who still need to register or update their voter registration can also visit the Washington State voter portal. Washington allows eligible residents to register in person through 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

Stay Informed About Local Elections

Election Day is an opportunity for Pierce County residents to participate in decisions affecting their communities, local government, and public transportation.

For accurate information about ballot return procedures, drop box locations, election results, and Proposition 1, residents should rely on official state, county, and Pierce Transit resources.

Visit VoteWA.gov, Pierce County Elections, or Pierce Transit Proposition 1 for additional information.

Returning a ballot on time helps ensure that eligible voters can participate in the November 3 General Election.