Last update: Sep 20, 2023 07:33 a.m. EDT
Last update: Sep 19, 2023 11:12 a.m. UTC
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Summary
Washington mails a ballot to every registered voter a few weeks before the election. Keep an eye on the mailbox! Be sure to mail it back so that it is postmarked by Election Day, or drop it in a drop box before or on Election Day. You can also vote in person if you prefer to do so. Washington offers early voting.
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Who can register to vote?
To register in Washington you must:
- be a citizen of the United States
- be a legal resident of Washington State, your county and your precinct for 30 days immediately preceding the election in which you want to vote
- be at least 18 years old by election day (16- and 17-year-olds can sign up as Future Voters and be automatically registered to vote when they turn 18)
- not be disqualified from voting due to a court order
- not be currently serving a sentence of total confinement in prison under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections for a felony conviction in Washington State, another state, or in federal court
- not be currently incarcerated for a federal or out-of-state felony conviction
How do I vote in person?
Where can I vote on Election Day?
You can look up where to vote on Washington's site.
Can I vote early?
- Yes, Washington does offer early voting. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
To vote in Washington state, you must have verified identification on file in your voter registration record. If you choose to vote in person and you are already registered to vote, you will need to sign a ballot declaration.
If you choose to vote in person and you are not yet registered, you will need to provide valid identification. Acceptable forms of ID include:
- Washington state driver’s license
- Washington state ID card
- last four digits of Social Security number
If you are unable to provide one of these forms, you can provide one form of alternate ID. Acceptable forms of alternate ID include:
- valid photo ID
- valid enrollment card of a federally recognized tribe in Washington state
- copy of a current utility bill
- current bank statement
- copy of a current government check
- copy of a current paycheck
- government document, other than a voter registration card, that shows both your name and address (tribal ID does not require a residential address or expiration date)
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Washington’s site.
Can I vote early?
Yes, Washington does offer early voting.
- You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
To vote in Washington state, you must have verified identification on file in your voter registration record. If you choose to vote in person and you are already registered to vote, you will need to sign a ballot declaration.
If you choose to vote in person and you are not yet registered, you will need to provide valid identification. Acceptable forms of ID include:
- Washington state driver’s license
- Washington state ID card
- last four digits of Social Security number
If you are unable to provide one of these forms, you can provide one form of alternate ID. Acceptable forms of alternate ID include:
- valid photo ID
- valid enrollment card of a federally recognized tribe in Washington state
- copy of a current utility bill
- current bank statement
- copy of a current government check
- copy of a current paycheck
- government document, other than a voter registration card, that shows both your name and address (tribal ID does not require a residential address or expiration date)
How do I vote by mail?
Washington conducts elections primarily by mail. If you are an active registered voter, then you can expect to receive a ballot in the mail. It will be sent to the mailing address you used to register to vote.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.
How do I return my ballot?
- Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot.
- You can return your ballot by mail or use a ballot drop box.
- Find a ballot dropbox near you.
- If you choose to return your ballot by mail, USPS recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date. Find a USPS location near you.
What do I need to do if I’ve moved?
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Washington’s site.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
Washington does offer registration in person during the early voting period and on Election Day. Voters can update an existing voter registration with a new name or address in person at a voting center through 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Get Ready to Vote
- Washington General Election : Nov 7
How do I see what's on my ballot?
View your sample ballot on the Washington Secretary of State's website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!
How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?
Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
- Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
- Send the application to your local election office.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your local election office first. Then:
- You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
- If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Washington. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov
How can I check my voter registration status?
You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Washington's voter registration lookup tool.
How do I contact my state election office?
Which election office should I contact?
- In Washington, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
- The Secretary of State oversees elections and election administration in Washington. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.
How do I contact my local election office?
Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.