With the Aug. 5 primary just around the corner, King County Elections mailed ballots to voters on July 16 to officially get the process rolling.

Mercer Islanders will focus on the 41st Legislative District state representative Position No. 1 race, which features current state representative Janice Zahn (D) facing off with Vinita Kak (D) and John Whitney (R).

The top two vote-getters in the primary will advance to the Nov. 4 general election.

According to a previous Reporter story, Bellevue’s Zahn was appointed to her seat in the LD 41, which covers Mercer Island and several surrounding cities, on Jan. 21 when King County Council unanimously voted to bring her on board. The then Bellevue City Councilmember replaced Mercer Island’s Tana Senn (D), who was appointed in December 2024 by Gov. Bob Ferguson to lead the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families.

Zahn, a former eight-year Bellevue City Councilmember, discussed her elected experience in a King County Elections candidate statement: “I’m honored to serve as your representative, bringing local government and transportation experience to Olympia. As a first-generation immigrant, engineer, and longtime public servant, I’ve delivered tangible results with bills on healthcare, homelessness, and infrastructure. My fiscally-responsible, people-first solutions uplift every community. Together, we will build a Washington where everyone can thrive.”

Her community service experience includes time spent as a trustee with the Bellevue Schools Foundation, boardmember with The Sophia Way and Nourishing Networks and more.

Mercer Island’s Kak is a retired banking professional with more than 25 years of service at U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo and Citibank, and she’s currently a planning commissioner for the city of Newcastle.

The former second vice president of the San Jose Woman’s Club noted in her King County Elections candidate statement that a growing LD 41 needs leaders who listen and deliver results.

“As your state representative, I will champion responsible budgeting, invest in our schools, and expand public transportation options. My experience in banking and as Newcastle planning commissioner has taught me the importance of fiscal discipline, transparency and community-focused solutions,” she said in her statement. “I am committed to supporting our seniors, protecting our natural landscapes and ensuring every child receives a high-quality education. Together, we can build a thriving, connected and compassionate 41st District. I would be honored to earn your vote and serve as your voice in Olympia.”

Bellevue’s Whitney, who has decades of experience in real estate, homebuilding and sales leadership, said his campaign message is rooted in faith, service and a commitment to restoring common sense to Olympia, according to his press release.

His top priorities include: Lowering taxes by demanding fiscal responsibility from state government; cutting waste and increasing government efficiency; supporting law enforcement and restoring public safety; and promoting strong schools and student-focused accountability.

“Our campaign is about service — not slogans. I’m stepping up because I want a better future for my kids, my grandkids and for every family in the 41st District. Together, we can bring principled leadership back to Olympia,” he said. “I’m not a career politician — and that’s exactly why I’m running. After a lifetime of raising a family, working hard for a local home builder and giving back to my community, I know how to do more with less. Olympia needs leaders who listen, act with integrity and never forget who they work for — the people.”

King County Elections staff said it mailed ballots and I Voted stickers to nearly 1.4 million voters and is projecting 35% turnout for this election, reads a press release.

Ballots must be postmarked by election day or returned to one of the 85 official drive-up drop box locations that are now open across the county, including one at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center (8236 SE 24th St.). Drop boxes are open 24 hours, seven days a week until 8 p.m. on election day.

Final reconciliation reports will be available by 4 p.m. on Aug. 19, and final precinct level election results will be available by 4 p.m. on Aug. 20 on the King County Elections website.

For voting information, drop-box locations and updates, visit: https://cd.kingcounty.gov/en/home/dept/elections.