Ballots to be mailed for Feb. 9 special election

Nearly 1.1 million ballots will be mailed next week for King County's Feb. 9 special election.

Already about 17,000 ballots were mailed to voters serving in the military and those living overseas and out of state, to allow extra transit time for delivery.

The election includes several levies and bonds for school-maintenance projects.

In King County, elections are conducted by mail and ballots are sent to registered voters 20 days before each election in which they are eligible to vote.

"Ballots are about to be mailed out and I'd like to remind voters to be ready and set to vote in the upcoming election," said Sherril Huff, King County elections director.

School issues are on the ballot in more than a dozen communities.

In Seattle, voters have two ballot measures. One would finance a $270 million levy for buildings, technology and academics and would cost an average of 30 cents for every $1,000 of assessed value for six years, starting in 2011.

The second would levy another tax for educational programs and operations. The three-year levy would be from $1.06 to $1.11 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, starting in 2011.

Ballots must be returned or postmarked by Feb. 9, Election Day.

Voters can learn more at www.kingcounty.gov/elections or by calling 206-296-VOTE (8683).