You might remember that old cynical slogan with its illegal suggestion: “Vote early. And often,” usually attributed to former Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley. Washington voters need to adopt a slightly different version of that to make sure their ballots count, and make it just as well-known: “Vote early. And use a dropbox.”

Thinly veiled intimidation from the Trump administration (the president called voting by mail “inherently corrupt” despite no evidence to back it up) has caused rumors to swirl around states’ vote-by-mail systems. They have sown doubt and raised questions right when voters should be spending time researching candidates and initiatives. Instead, now that voters are getting ready to turn in their votes, many are wondering if mailing their ballot is the best way.

By now, the answer is no, Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs told the editorial board.…