First, there is a ballot drop box at the Orcas Senior Services Center in Eastsound. It is free to use (no postage required). The box is located at the north end of the driveway that directly abuts the lobby doors.

The drop box is the best choice by far because 1) it’s free; 2) ballots can be put in the box up until 8 p.m. Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 4) and 3) persons from the far ends of the islands could carpoool their ballots in with a designated driver.

The collected ballots are delivered to the Elections Office.

Second, if you mail your ballot, especially close to Election Day, it is best to go into your local post office and ask one of the postal workers to “meter strip” your ballot. A meter strip prints the postage due (same as a letter, 42 cents) and the date that the mail goes out. This assures that if you mail your ballot on or near election day, your ballot will get counted because it is dated.

Remember, mail goes out at 3 p.m., so be early.

Sadie Bailey

Eastsound