In the latest update on the Seattle King County elections, preliminary results are in for several key races following the general election held on November 4, 2025. Voters across the region are watching closely as contests for the King County Executive seat, Seattle mayor, and various local propositions begin to take shape.
Overview of Voter Turnout and Ballot Return Process
The Seattle King County elections reported strong early participation, with nearly 300,000 ballots counted so far—roughly 20 % of the county’s 1.4 million registered voters. Washington’s all-mail voting system allows ballots to be postmarked or dropped off until 8 p.m. on Election Day, and additional returns are still being processed.
Voters were able to return ballots by mail, at official drop boxes, or in person at designated voting centers. Election officials noted that even small numbers of late-arriving ballots could sway tight races in several local jurisdictions.
Key Race: King County Executive
One of the most closely watched contests in the Seattle King County elections was for King County Executive. With longtime executive Dow Constantine stepping down earlier in 2025 to take a new role at Sound Transit, this year’s election marked a major leadership transition.
Early returns show Girmay Zahilay leading slightly over Claudia Balducci. Both candidates serve on the King County Council and are running in a nonpartisan race. Zahilay’s early advantage stands at just over 50 % of the vote, while Balducci trails closely with about 48 %.
Because Washington counts ballots over several days, the final results are not yet certified. Both campaigns have emphasized patience and trust in the counting process.
This year’s executive election is also historic—it’s the final one to take place in an odd-numbered year. A recent charter amendment will shift all future countywide elections to even-numbered years, aligning them with state and federal elections to improve turnout.
Other Prominent Contests in the Seattle King County Elections
In addition to the executive race, several high-profile local elections are drawing attention:
- Seattle Mayor: Incumbent Bruce Harrell holds a modest lead over challenger Katie Wilson in early returns, with a margin of roughly seven percentage points.
- Seattle City Attorney: The race between incumbent Ann Davison and challenger Erika Evans remains close, with many ballots yet to be tallied.
- City Council Elections: Several Seattle City Council seats are being decided, with early data showing strong competition in districts that previously leaned progressive.
These contests reflect broader political shifts in the Seattle metro area, where issues such as homelessness, policing, and housing affordability continue to dominate the public conversation.
Ballot Measures & Local Propositions
Voters across the region also weighed in on local funding measures, including school levies, public safety bonds, and fire-service funding. Early results show a mix of outcomes: some measures are comfortably passing, while others appear to be falling short.
Here’s a summary of major measure types on the 2025 ballot:
| Type of Measure | Purpose | Threshold for Passage |
|---|---|---|
| Medic One Levy | To fund emergency medical and fire services | Simple majority |
| School District Bonds | To build or modernize school facilities | 60 % approval required |
| City Infrastructure Bonds | To fund roads, bridges, and capital improvements | 60 % approval + turnout minimum |
These local measures directly influence community investment, emergency services, and education funding—making them essential to King County’s daily life and long-term planning.
Counting and Certification Timeline
Election officials have confirmed that initial results were posted on Election Night, but the counting will continue through late November. Ballots postmarked by Election Day will still be accepted for several days as long as they arrive within the legal timeframe.
The next scheduled results update is expected on November 6, followed by regular updates every weekday until final certification. County certification is scheduled for November 26, with the state certification process completing by December 4.
Until certification, all numbers remain unofficial, and close races may shift slightly as additional ballots are processed.
Why These Elections Matter
The Seattle King County elections will shape leadership and policy across one of the nation’s most dynamic regions. Several key implications arise from this cycle:
- Regional Leadership Change: With a new county executive taking office, policy direction on housing, climate, transportation, and homelessness will evolve.
- Urban Governance Focus: Races for mayor and city attorney highlight Seattle’s ongoing debate over policing, public safety reform, and economic recovery.
- Community Investment: The outcome of school and infrastructure measures determines how the county will manage future growth while maintaining essential services.
- Election Calendar Shift: Moving elections to even-numbered years is expected to boost voter participation, aligning local contests with statewide and federal cycles.
King County remains Washington’s political and economic hub, so its election results often set the tone for policy trends statewide.
Looking Ahead
As ballots continue to be counted, the picture of leadership in Seattle and King County will become clearer in the coming days. Voters can expect final results later this month, but already the trends suggest a community engaged in active debate about its priorities and its future.
The Seattle King County elections continue to highlight the region’s civic engagement and evolving political landscape—stay tuned for final certified results and share your thoughts below.
