King County Elections mailed ballots and local voters’ pamphlet on Wednesday to nearly 1.3 million registered voters for the Aug. 7 Primary Election.

“For the first time voters will not have to use a stamp to return their ballot,” said Julie Wise, director of King County Elections. “With prepaid postage and over 60 ballot drop boxes, voting has never been easier. Vote and make your voice heard.”

The Primary Election includes candidates for federal, state, superior court and state Supreme Court offices as well as two ballot measures. King County is forecasting a 40 percent turnout based on past similar elections, but hopes prepaid postage will increase participation.

King County passed an ordinance to fund prepaid postage earlier this year, with the state following suit. This August’s primary will mark the first election where voters will not need a stamp to return their ballot through the USPS and can simply drop their ballot in the mail. Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, Aug. 7.

Voters also have the option of returning their ballot to one of more than 60 ballot drop box locations, without a stamp by 8 p.m. on Aug. 7. Ballots can be returned any time before the deadline. Drop boxes are open 24 hours, seven days a week beginning July 18. Accessible Voting Centers are also available in Bellevue, Renton and Seattle.