Record-setting voter turnout in state: more than 3 million counted; final turnout likely to break 84 percent

For the first time in state history, Washington's voter turnout has just topped the 3 million mark.

As of this morning, 3,001,551 ballots have been counted by the 39 County Auditors across the state, according to the Secretary of State's office. That amounts to 82.69 percent of the state's 3,629,898 record number of registered voters.

The previous record for ballots cast, set in 2004, was 2,884,783. The percentage turnout that year was 82.23.

The counties say they have more than 55,000 ballots on hand that still remain to be processed, and an undetermined number of provisional ballots that are being handled, most notably in King and Pierce counties. The final turnout is the best in modern times, said the Secretary of State's office, and should break the 84 percent mark.

Secretary of State Sam Reed said the turnout can be attributed to the appeal of the presidential and gubernatorial races, dozens of other high profile races and initiatives, and heavy use of mail-in ballots. This year, 37 of the 39 counties voted exclusively by mail, with King and Pierce still allowing poll-site voting.

Many of the counties are already reporting turnout numbers above the statewide average. Two counties, Jefferson and San Juan, already have topped the 90 percent mark.

Counties will certify their final returns next Tuesday, Nov. 25, and Secretary Reed will certify the following week, on Dec. 4.

Susan Gilmore: 206-464-2054 or sgilmore@seattletimes.com