Tips and resources for coping with election stress
Today is Election Day and many Americans are waiting anxiously for the results. According to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association (APA), more than two-thirds of U.S. adults say the 2020 U.S. presidential election is a significant source of stress in their life. And those feelings are being experienced throughout the King County workforce, as well. A recent survey of employees involved in the COVID-19 response showed that the presidential election is their primary source of stress. Election stress will show up in different ways for different people. Some examples include panic… Read More
Make your voice heard and vote today
Don’t forget to vote if you haven’t returned your ballot already. Registered voters can return their ballot: At a ballot drop box. Find your nearest ballot drop box—no stamp needed! King County’s 73 drop boxes are open up until Nov. 3 at 8 p.m. sharp. At one of the accessible Vote Centers. This year there will be seven locations: Elections Headquarters in Renton, CenturyLink Field Event Center, the Dempsey Indoor Center on the UW Campus in Seattle, Bellevue College, Showare Center in Kent, the Federal Way Performing Arts Center and Kenmore City Hall. For more information, visit www.kingcounty.gov/elections, contact King County Elections at 206-296-VOTE (8683), or visit the Election… Read More
Access paratransit brings food to 10,000 families in need during pandemic
Crossposted from Metro Matters October is Disability Awareness Month – a month to honor individuals whom our King County Metro Access paratransit team celebrates all year long. Metro’s Access paratransit service provides around one million trips each year to our Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) customers, allowing them to maintain independence and have access to whatever they need to thrive. It’s just one way Metro lives out its mission to provide mobility for all. In a pandemic, that mobility has looked a little different: Access paratransit has mobilized both people and the food… Read More
Pet of the Week: Maxwell
This senior boy is a super sweet adventure cat! He was brought in by his previous family this spring because they were moving. While with us, he’s wandered around the cat building checking things out (with supervision of course), and wasn’t bothered by the other kitties. Unlike many cats, Maxwell would love to go on walks outside on a leash and harness. Maxwell lived with another cat, and his previous family described him as shy but loving. We’ve noticed that he’s definitely an affectionate lovebug who would be thrilled to cuddle up… Read More
You returned your ballot, now track it
Our democracy works best when everyone has the opportunity to make their voice heard. Now make sure your vote counts. You can track your ballot to make sure that your vote was counted. Use the My Voter Information tool on the King County Elections website. If an issue with your signature comes up, you’ll be able to see that there and get it fixed so we can count your vote. If you have any questions, reach out. Contact King County Elections by email at elections@kingcounty.gov or call 206-296-VOTE (8683). Feel free to share that you’re tracking… Read More
Reminder: 2020 Halloween tips from Public Health
Crossposted from Public Health Holidays are going to be different this year, no question about it. But we all need to have some festivity, especially in the midst of the all we’ve had to deal with this year. Halloween has some good celebration options since many activities can be outside and mask wearing is part of the holiday, but there are still some risks with COVID circulating. Public Health has tips to prevent illness, help our community stay on track for reopening, and still retain some of the spooky and sweet flavor… Read More
Supporting animal welfare through the 2020 Annual Giving Drive
This week, we are highlighting nonprofits whose work supports animal welfare. These and hundreds of nonprofits are participating in this year’s Annual Giving Drive. Best Friends Animal Society (5007): For 30+ years, we’ve run the nation’s largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals and built effective programs reducing the number of animals entering shelters. Eastside Audubon (994): We work to protect birds, other wildlife, and our community’s natural resources through education, advocacy, community science, and habitat restoration. Marine Mammal Center (2792): Thousands of orphaned, sick and injured marine mammals would have died if not for our state-of-the-art animal care and research… Read More
A Voter’s Guide to the Finish Line: Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
Crossposted from Election Connection Election Day is officially a week away! Can you believe it? With ballots mailed and drop boxes open since mid-October, here at King County Elections, we’ve been in the middle of an election for a while now and are going full speed ahead! This year, we projected record-breaking turnout at 90%, and it looks like we’re well on our way! King County has shown up and we’re already at about 55% turnout. Out of 1.4 million registered voters, we’ve had more than 800,000 ballots returned already! We’ve never… Read More
Return your ballot early
Don’t race against the clock and wait till 7:59 p.m. on Election Day to get your ballot to your nearest Drop Box. King County Elections is expecting about 500,000 ballots back through drop boxes on Election Day alone. Avoid the traffic and get it done early. There are three ways to return your ballot: Ballot Drop Box: If you don’t send back your ballot in the mail, return your ballot to a nearby Drop Box—no stamp required. By mail: We recommend dropping your ballot in the mail by the Friday before Election Day to make sure it… Read More
Support survivors and speak out against domestic violence
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and an important time to share information and resources to support survivors. Prior to COVID-19, domestic and intimate partner violence were ongoing epidemics impacting people of all races, ages, genders, and orientations, but this health crisis has continued to intensify during times of stay-at-home orders, school and work transition, increased stress, and isolation as a result of the pandemic. This is a critical time to learn about domestic violence and connect to supportive resources. To get help or support someone in need, review the Domestic Violence Resource Flyer to be… Read More
Employee News 