Washington State general election ballots were sent out last Thursday and should have arrived by now. If you haven’t received yours make sure to contact the Snohomish County Elections Office, I've included their information below.

• Email the Elections Office
• Phone: 425-388-3444

The general election is just around the corner and in an effort to keep you informed, I have included some helpful links and key dates as we approach the November 3rd election. Thank you for participating in our democracy! 

• Ballot Drop Box Location – Snohomish County - Drop your ballot into the mail or at one of Snohomish County’s 30 ballot drop box locations before Election Day on November 3rd. Remember to vote early if you plan to vote-by-mail or drop your ballot by 8:00 PM on Election Day.  
• Check Your Voter Registration - Check your voter registration to make sure you are registered to vote and update personal information that may have changed. The deadline to update your voter registration and register to vote is Monday, October 26th.   
• Track Your Ballot - Track your ballot to ensure the Snohomish County Elections received it. General election voter pamphlets were mailed October 3-10, and ballots will be mailed on October 15.  

• Read Your Voter’s Guide Here - Your voters’ guide is a great place to get information on candidates and issues that appear on your ballot.  

As we approach the Halloween holiday, we will have to plan to get creative in how we celebrate during Coronavirus. Recently, the State Department of Health has issued Tips for A Safer Halloween which includes fun ideas on how to celebrate and guidelines for those who plan to participate in trick-or-treating this year. Below, I’ve  included a list of general recommendations regardless of how you plan to celebrate safely and protect yourself, your loved ones, and others. Please stay safe and healthy! 

• Wear a cloth face covering. Make sure the face covering fits snugly over your nose and mouth. 

• Avoid confined spaces. Outdoor activities are safer than indoor activities. If participating in an outdoor event is not possible, and you choose to attend an indoor event, avoid crowded, poorly ventilated, and fully enclosed indoor spaces. Increase ventilation by opening windows and doors to the extent that is safe and feasible based on the weather.  
• Avoid close contact with people outside of your household. Stay at least 6 feet away from all other people who are not part of your own household.  
• Wash or sanitize your hands often. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.  
• Stay home if you are sick or were recently exposed to someone with COVID-19. If you are sick, have symptoms of COVID-19, or have been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, stay home and away from others. 

For Halloween my wife, Krystal and I, are taking our son Kallen to the Candy Grab N Go Event hosted by the City of Mill Creek then taking him on a neighborhood scavenger hunt. How do you plan to safely celebrate?