Vibemap’s guide to dropping off your ballot in Seattle
We’ve been inspired by civic leaders who’ve been encouraging people to make a plan to vote during the 2020 election. As you exercise your right to vote, why not make it a day or afternoon of exploring the city and supporting local businesses. Below are our picks for the top 5 locations to drop-off your ballot in Seattle and tips for what to do nearby.
Important Notes:
- Not sure of your voting status? Check here to make sure you’re registered to vote.
- We’re highlighting just a few ballot drop-off locations, but you can see the whole list here.
- You can also return your ballot through the mail. No postage required, but make sure your ballot is postmarked on or before election day.
- Wear a mask, practice social distancing and stay safe.
- Read the rules closely before you go on your journey to drop off your ballot or vote. We want your vote to count!
Drop-Off your Ballot in Rainier Beach
You’ll want to drop off your ballot at the Rainier Beach Community Center just for the opportunity to go to King Donuts. A Seattle icon, King Donuts is a place where you can get both donuts, teriyaki and do your laundry. That’s right. What more could you want? Although if you do want a bit more, you can go get a glass of wine at Kaffa Coffee & Wine Bar and do some shopping at Sharifs Grocery & Halel, the largest Halal meat wholesaler in Washington. End your trip with a visit to Be’er Sheva Park and the Rainier Urban Farm & Beach which has the second largest community garden in Seattle.
Rainier Beach Community Center
- community
- garden
- healthy
- international
King Donuts and Teriyaki and Laundromat
Donut Shop
- sweet
- eclectic
- family
- local
Kaffa Coffee & Wine Bar
We serve organic Ethiopian coffee and healthy Ethiopian dishes with Fresh Ingredients! we also sell spices, coffee beans, herbs and unique wines!
Kaffa region in Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, hence the similarity in name Kaffa – coffee. Coffee is called ‘Bunna’ (boo-na) in Ethiopia, but as the plant spread out in the area as far as the Arabian peninsula across the Red Sea, people referred to it as Kaffa or Coffee for the region it came from.
- local
- proud
- vegan
- organic
Sharif Grocery & Halal
Grocery
- community
- proud
- tasty
Be'er Sheva Park
The perfect place to visit on a summer day, Beer Sheva Park is located in southeast Seattle. The view across Lake Washington to Mercer Island and the Cascade Mountains is incomparable. This spot is popular for picnics, community gatherings, yoga classes and more. And right next door, through the new art pedestrian gate, is the Rainier Urban Farm and Wetland, a partnership project initiated by the community and funded in part by the Parks and Green Spaces Levy. The partners are Seattle Parks and Recreation, Seattle Tilth and the Friends of Rainier Beach Urban Farm & Wetlands.
Beer Sheva Park was named for Beer Sheva, Israel, one of Seattle’s International Sister Cities. Just east of Rainier Beach High School, this tiny lakefront park features a children’s play area, picnic tables and restrooms. It’s a great place to watch a Seattle summer sunset. It is one of our many Pesticide Free Parks.
- popular
- biking
- chill
- scenic
Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands
Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands is a vibrant community hub for food, urban farming and environmental education in the heart of Seattle’s Rainier Beach neighborhood –one the most diverse zip codes in the nation. About half of this 7.2 acres site is dedicated to organic food production and about half of the farm is dedicated to restoring a natural wetlands and buffer zone.
In 2009, a group of neighbors and community members came together to propose an urban farm in the heart of the Rainier Beach Community at the former City of Seattle’s Parks and Recreation Department’s Atlantic City Nursery site. The Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands (RBUFW) was founded out of community interest to create a local source of fresh produce, community gardening, economic development and training opportunity for area residents and youth. In 2010, joint operation of the farm was awarded to the Friends of RBUFW with our partner Tilth Alliance (formerly Seattle Tilth).
The vision of Friends of Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands (RBUFW) is a healthy, vibrant and powerful Rainier Beach community through sustainable urban farming. Our mission is to educate and engage community through sustainable urban farming and environmental stewardship. As the farm moves into long-term maintenance and sustainability, the Friends of RBUFW will continue to work toward achieving our vision and mission through our engagement with the community, partnership in the Food Innovation District, and continued co-operatorship with Tilth Alliance.
- local
- vibrant
- community
- healthy
Drop-Off your Ballot in Magnolia
If majestic mountain views, playtime vibes and sweeping Puget Sound views are more your thing, you’ll want to drop off your ballot at Magnolia Park. Head down to the water and dip your toes in the frigid water as you ferry watch before heading on a hike up through the Magnolia Bluffs to the Magnolia Boulevard Viewpoint and through to the W McGraw Street Shoreline Street End. Afterwards, reward yourself by heading into Magnolia and get a coffee and pastry at Petit Pierre Bakery and Peruvian food at Pink Salt and take a peek at the large salt wall at the bar.
Magnolia Park
Magnolia Park is on the Magnolia Bluff with a magnificent view of Puget Sound and many beautiful trees. A great place to picnic.
Called out as “Magnolia Bluffs Park” in Olmsted’s 1908 report, this park was to “include the valley and a portion of Magnolia Bluffs” west of Smith Cove. Olmsted envisioned this scenic park bordering the “Magnolia Bluffs Parkway” (Magnolia Boulevard), which he first proposed in 1903.
The southeast end of the park features beautiful bluff vistas toward Elliott Bay, Alki Point and Puget Sound. The park has an Olmstedian greensward character, composed of mature madronas and several other specimen trees underplanted with lawn. Magnolia Park captures the essential features John Charles envisioned in his 1903 report for development of Magnolia Bluffs: deep ravine, park drive, & walks, preserved native vegetation and superb public views.
— Friends of Olmsted Park
- neighborhood
- creative
- explore
- family
Magnolia Bluff
- fun
- popular
Magnolia Boulevard Viewpoint
- beautiful
- popular
- scenic
W McGraw St Shoreline Street End
Hidden Oasis
- adventurous
- aquatic
- beautiful
- chill
Petit Pierre Bakery
- magical
Pink Salt
Drop-Off your Ballot in Pioneer Square
Perhaps the most classic drop-off experience – the King County Administration Building Drop-Box. It pairs well with the old school vibes of the Pioneer Square area where after dropping off your ballot you can walk over to Smith Tower, once the tallest building on the west coast and pick up burgers and a beer at Collin’s Pub. Take your food and go to either Occidental Square or Pioneer Square Park. Afterwards grab coffee at Cherry Street Coffeehouse and pick up a book on Seattle’s architectural history at architecture & design bookshop Peter Miller Books (a Seattle design institution) and end your journey with a visit to the Seattle waterfront to watch the ferries shuffle across the sound.
King County Administration Building
The King County Administration Building is a nine-storey office building in Seattle, the seat of King County, Washington, United States. It is located at 500 Fourth Avenue, in between Jefferson Street and James Street, and parking is available in parking garages on all surrounding streets. Completed in 1971, the building features a unique hexagonal, honeycomb theme in its walls and windows. — Wikipedia
- civic
- community
- local
- unique
Smith Tower
Smith Tower is Seattle’s iconic slice of history with a modern twist! As one of the city’s oldest skyscrapers, it’s packed with charm, incredible views, and plenty of stories to tell. Visitors can ride the vintage Otis elevator up to the 35th-floor observatory and sip on craft cocktails at the swanky speakeasy bar while soaking in 360-degree views of Seattle. With its historic vibes and lively atmosphere, Smith Tower is the perfect spot to kick back, snap some epic photos, and enjoy a taste of the city’s past with a drink in hand!
- vintage
- skyline
- tourist
- rooftop
Collins Pub
- amazing
- happy
- new
- old
Occidental Square
- art
- fun
- outdoors
- popular
Cherry Street Coffee House
Coffee Shop
- free
- cool
- afternoon
- modern
Peter Miller Books
Peter Miller Books is a specialty bookstore carrying titles related to design, architecture, graphics, and even more fun reads in a wonderful, friendly atmosphere.
- urban
- creative
- eclectic
- friendly
Seattle Central Waterfront
- popular
- scenic
Drop-Off your Ballot in South Park
Dropping your ballot off in South Park at the South Park Library Drop-Box means you have the chance to check out the Duwamish River, Seattle’s only river. First head to Main Street and pick up a coffee or okazu pan from Resistencia and a to-go lunch at either Uncle Eddies, Jalisco or Loretta’s Northwesterner (previously ranked as one of the top four burger joints in the US by Thrillist). After you have your supplies, go to the Duwamish Waterway Park and sit along the water for a picnic. Round out your day by checking out the South Park Bridge and pick up a bottle of wine to take back with you at Left Bank or a growler of beer from Seattle-Lite Brewing.
South Park Library Branch
We bring people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and build community. Visit us at spl.org.
- fun
- community
- family
- art
Resistencia
Neighborhood Coffeeshop
- activist
- authentic
- community
- cozy
Uncle Eddie’s Public House
BIG. WARM. GENUINE.
We’re a public house focusing on huge, grilled sandwiches. Biscuits are what’s for brunch on the weekends.
#uncleeddiesouthpark
- brunch
- cozy
- friendly
- local
Jalisco
Duwamish Waterway Park
Quiet and secluded on the banks of the Duwamish waterway, this park offers benches and a large lawn area, complete with big trees for shade, a BBQ pit and picnic tables, and to top it off you can find views of ships using the waterway too.
- local
- creative
- aquatic
- community
South Park Bridge
The Code of Federal Regulations is the current legislation guiding the South Park Bridge vessel opening schedule, which currently states that the bridge is prohibited from opening for vessel traffic between 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on Federal holidays. The Seattle Department of Transportation operates the South Park Bridge under contract for King County and can be reached at 206-549-2896.
- historic
- local
- scenic
- park
Left Bank
LEFT BANK IS DEDICATED TO BRINGING FUN, ACCESSIBLE, NATURAL WINE TO THE PEOPLE. WE STRIVE TO BE A WELCOMING BEACON IN OUR VIBRANT COMMUNITY. WE DO NOT TOLERATE RACISM, HOMOPHOBIA, CLASSISM, MISOGYNY, GENDER BIAS, XENOPHOBIA, SEXISM, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF HATE.
- whimsical
- boozy
- community
- creative
Seattle-Lite Brewing Company
Welcome to Seattle-Lite, located in the great South Park neighborhood of Seattle. We are here to provide the world with great tasting light beer. Cheers!
- adventurous
- boozy
- buzzing
- chill
Drop-Off your Ballot in Capitol Hill
Arguably the most buzzing location to drop-off your Seattle ballot is the drop-box at Broadway and Howell in the heart of Capitol Hill. Boundless options of what to do and places to support while you’re in the area. Start with a trip to Elliot Bay Bookstore, one of the largest independently run bookstores in the country and then get takeout ceviche and house margaritas from Poquitos for a picnic at Cal Anderson Park. Be sure to end your adventure with something sweet, either a scoop of honey lavender at Molly Moon’s Ice Cream or a cupcake from Cupcake Royal, who have been known to hand out free cupcakes to those with an “I Voted” sticker.
Elliott Bay Book Company
Elliott Bay Book Company, nestled in the heart of Capitol Hill, is the go-to spot for book lovers. This cozy, multi-level bookstore is packed with over 150,000 titles just waiting to be explored on its cedar shelves. With one of the best selections of new books around and a great collection of bargain finds, it’s a haven for readers. Plus, Elliott Bay hosts an awesome lineup of author events and readings all year long!
- unique
- indie
- neighborhood
- shop
Poquitos
- vegan
- amazing
- patio
- inspired
Cal Anderson Park
Park & Reflecting Pool
- park
- quiet
- favorite
- family
Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream
Molly Moon’s is a local favorite which serves several delicious scoops of ice cream. They offer many tailored services to their guests to make your experience shine such as delivery, takeout, and vegan flavours based with coconut milk.
- airy
- vegan
- amazing
- generous
Cupcake Royale – Capitol Hill
Bakeshop & Ice cream
- sweet
- beautiful
- colorful
- community
Drop-Off your Ballot in Garfield Community Center
If you’re looking to get fit as you drop-off your Seattle ballot, try running a few laps at Garfield High School’s track before dropping off your ballot at the Garfield Community Center. Depending on the time of day, reward yourself with a horchata iced latte from Golden Wheat or a beer on the patio at the dive bar Twilight Exit. Not to be missed is the Fat’s Chicken and Waffles or if you’re feeling like Ethiopina, Meskel Ethiopian has the best doro wat and injera you can find in the neighborhood.
Garfield Community Center
- community
Golden Wheat
Twilight Exit
- chill
- free
- local
- patio
Fat's Chicken and Waffles
Southern favorites
- creative
- brunch
- favorite
- local
Meskel Ethiopian Restaurant
Meskel has been serving customers for 25+ years in the heart of Seattle.
Our food is freshly made to serve and can be customized to fit your palette. We offer healthy options including Gluten Free, Vegetarian, and Vegan options.
- patio
- proud
- vegan
- local
Drop-Off your Ballot in Fremont
If you’re looking for the best urban panoramic views of Seattle on your ballot drop-off day, the box at Waterway 19 park doesn’t disappoint. Located adjacent to Gas Works Park, you’ll be able to spend time either before or after at the former coal gasification plant, circumnavigating the old machinery and enjoying the views of the city from the shores of Lake Union. Afterwards choose to go east or west. If west, go to Westward and sit outside in Adirondack chairs and order seafood. If east, head to Fremont and get a beer at Fremont Brewing or pick up a gluten-free pastry at Flying Apron and pick up a book at Ophelia’s Books. Of course, if you haven’t been to the Fremont Troll, make sure to hit that up to close out your day.
Waterway 19
Waterway next to one one of Seattle’s most unique attractions, this former gasification plant still boasts pieces of the industrial site. Explore the impressive remains of the metal generators, and don’t miss the spectacular views of South Lake Union and downtown across the water. — Visit Seattle
- amazing
- aquatic
- beautiful
- cool
Gas Works Park
Park
- park
- quiet
- scenic
- public
Westward
Seafood Restaurant
- modern
- scenic
- fresh
- local
Fremont Brewing Company
Brewery
- love
- local
- favorite
- family
Flying Apron Bakery & Cafe
Bakery
- healthy
- creative
- friendly
- sweet
Ophelia's Books
Used book store
- creative
- classic
- curious
- eclectic
The Fremont Troll
Sculpture
- art
- cool
- eclectic
- fun
Drop-Off your Ballot in Skyway Park
Okay, so Skyline isn’t technically part of Seattle proper, but you can still drop-off your ballot at Skyline Park and it’s worth it to explore all of the hidden gems located here. After dropping off your ballot, pick up coffee at long-time community staple Nevzat’s Espresso and walk to Catfish Corner for the baked cajun catfish (if you’re a long time Seattle resident you’ll remember Catfish Corner from their days in the Central District!). After lunch keep walking to Lakeridge Park and wander the Taylor Creek Trail. End your adventure by finding the 72nd Avenue South Shoreline Street End one of the few publicly accessible access points to Lake Washington in this neighborhood.
Skyway Park
The Skyway Park is located in the Skyway neighborhood, between Seattle and Renton, only in about 11 miles from Seattle. Skyway Park and the neighborhood itself sits atop of a tall field and offers wonderful views of the surrounding territories.
- local
- scenic
- views
- park
Nevzat's Espresso
Since 1995, drive-thru espresso
- local
- retro
- fast
- energy
Catfish Corner Express
Situated in the heart of our city, Catfish Corner Express provides fresh farm-raised catfish with a Southern flair, using our families recipe of freshest ingredients hand-battered and fried to perfection Inspired by Woodrow and Rosemary Jackson. Catfish Corner Express creating savory dishes with a Cajan and Creole inspiration.
- local
- proud
- tasty
- savory
Lakeridge Park
Hidden Oasis
- chill
- family
- serene
- beautiful
72nd Avenue South Shoreline Street End
Hidden Oasis
- adventurous
- aquatic
- beautiful
- chill
Drop-Off your Ballot in Green Lake
For a family-friendly ballot drop-off experience, consider dropping off your ballot at the Green Lake Community Center and following that up with a trip to the Woodland Park Zoo which is now taking timed reservations. After you’ve chilled with the penguins, walk or bike around Green Lake on the 2.8 mile Green Lake Loop and seriously consider renting a sailboat next summer at the Green Lake Small Craft Center. Follow it up by introducing or reintroducing your kids to Latin American food at Mojito (try the Vaca Frita) or caribbean food at Bongos. Yum.
Green Lake Community Center
- community
- craft
- garden
- healthy
Woodland Park Zoo is_dup
When you visit Woodland Park Zoo, you’ll make your day and a difference. They advocate for wildlife conservation while portraying the beauty of diverse groups of species for your curiosity.
- active
- beautiful
- family
- festive
Green Lake Park
Green Lake Park has fun and beautiful recreation area with trails, beaches, a boathouse, and tennis courts, baseball fields, and an indoor pool!
- amazing
- beautiful
- park
- scenic
Green Lake Loop
- beautiful
- calm
- fun
- local
Green Lake Small Craft Center
Green Lake Small Craft Center offers classes in rowing, kayaking, canoeing, and sailing for youth, adults, and seniors.
- family
- aquatic
- fun
- popular
Mojito
Serving the best Latin American & Cuban food in the Seattle area.
Mojito has been serving the Maple Leaf neighborhood and greater Seattle area for 18 years with authentic Latin cuisine. We believe in bringing together amazing food and amazing people, working together to enrich our community.
- boutique
- favorite
- flavorful
- local
Bongos
- delicious
- vibe
- authentic
- patio
Drop-Off your Ballot in Ballard
Although a true Seattleite has explored and re-explored Ballard many times over, there’s always something new to do or see. Start with dropping off your ballot outside the Ballard Branch Library and pick up lunch at either cult favorite Katsu Burger or Señor Moose Cafe, a Mexican food joint often known for having some of the best tacos in Seattle. Eat your food at Marvin’s Garden, the former location of independent Ballard’s City Hall and end your adventure by picking up a “Mystery Box” from Ballyhoo Curiosity Shop and adopting something large and leafy at the Palm Room.
Ballard Library
The current Ballard Branch opened on May 15, 2005. It is one of the most heavily used branches in the Library system. It has a nautical-themed green roof planted with native flora. You can view the green roof from a periscope in the branch.
Amenities:
– Maritime and Fishing Industry Collection
– Free Public Computers Wi-Fi
– Air Conditioning
– Meeting Rooms
– Study Rooms
– Quiet Room
– WorkSource Connection Site
– Free Parking (temporarily closed)
– Single-Occupant
– All-Gender Restroom
– Multi-Stall Single-Gender Restrooms
- quiet
- community
- chill
- together
Señor Moose Cafe
- amazing
- authentic
- beautiful
- busy
Marvin's Garden
- activist
- community
- garden
- healthy
Ballyhoo Curiosity Shop
Located in the Historic District of Ballard, Ballyhoo Curiosity Shop fits somewhere between a natural history museum and an antique store. An eclectic assortment of skulls, fossils, wood carvings, jewelry, and so much more.
- eclectic
- decorative
- diverse
- historic
The Palm Room
Plant Shop
- curious
- unique
- floral
- green
Vibemap also Recommends:
Discovery Park is_dup
- active
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- casual
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Alki Beach Park
Public Park
- park
- scenic
- wild
- public
Lowman Beach Park
- art
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- garden
- healthy
Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center
Headquarters and Home of Seattle’s Duwamish Tribe, Point Elliott Treaty Tribe Indigenous People of Puget Sound and Duwamish River Valley – The Home of the Duwamish People!
The Duwamish people have been in the Seattle/Greater King County area since time immemorial. Our stories, such as “North Wind, South Wind”, tell of the last Ice Age, and an Ice Weir breaking over the Duwamish River.
Our longhouse today stands across the street from where one of our largest villages was located before it was burned down by settlers in 1895.
Events at the Duwamish Longhouse & Cultural Center are often put on by the tribe or allied groups for the benefit of the public, but we also host private events for any interested group who would want to use the space for meetings, reunions, or other gatherings. To learn more about renting the Longhouse, click here.
- cultural
- fun
- heritage
- historic
Machine House Brewery
Traditional English style beer brewed in Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood.
Brewing in small batches at our historic location in Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood, we focus on high-quality beers of all styles within the British tradition. Our taproom serves as the premium location in Seattle for immaculately presented cask ales, served through beer engines and at cellar temperature.
- analog
- chill
- craft
- oldschool
Island Soul
Island Soul is a family business opened 15 years ago at a location on Martin Luther King Way and Judkins.
In 2007, the Martin family, purchased a building in Columbia City and established a new look for Island Soul. The food can be best described as Caribbean-inspired soul food. It is a fusion of native Caribbean foods with traditional soul food from Louisiana Bayou. Items you see from Caribbean side include plantains, mango, jerk, and habanero spicing, coconut milk, goat, and more. From the Louisiana side you see BBQ chicken, ribs oxtail stew, gumbo, catfish, collard greens, and chicken and waffles.
- colorful
- fun
- local
- proud
Seward Park
- biking
- chill
- fun
- peaceful
Kubota Garden
Japanese Garden
- chill
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- beautiful
- peaceful
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