{"id":351540,"date":"2020-03-17T09:36:44","date_gmt":"2020-03-17T14:36:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/voting\/washington-voting-guide.html"},"modified":"2026-09-18T09:36:29","modified_gmt":"2026-09-18T14:36:29","slug":"washington-voting-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/voting\/washington-voting-guide.html","title":{"rendered":"Washington Voting Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Voting in Washington<\/div>\n \"Your\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n
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  1. \n FindLaw <\/a>\n \/<\/span>\n <\/li>\n
  2. Washington Voting Guide<\/span><\/li>\n <\/ol>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    Washington Voting Guide<\/h1>\n\n
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    \n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
    \n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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    This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

    \n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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    The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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    Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

    Voting in Washington<\/span> is primarily done by mail, with all registered voters<\/span> automatically receiving a ballot before an election. To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen, 18 or older, and a resident for at least 30 days. You can register online, by mail, or in person, and must return your completed ballot via mail postmarked<\/span> by Election Day<\/span> or to an official drop box<\/span> by 8 p.m. on Election Day<\/span> to ensure it is counted.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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    In this Washington voter guide, we’ll answer common questions about voting in Washington<\/span>, voter eligibility, online <\/span>voter registration<\/span>, registration deadlines, mail-in and in-person voting, special accommodations for disabled Washington voters, and what you can do if you see illegal activity at the polls.<\/p>\n

    Voting in Washington<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Washington is a vote-by-mail<\/span> state.\u00a0This\u00a0means that all registered voters<\/span> receive a ballot in the mail before state and federal elections<\/span>.<\/p>\n

    Your ballot packet includes a ballot, a secrecy envelope, and a return envelope. When you receive your ballot, complete the form, sign your name, and place it in the secrecy envelope. Be sure to sign the ballot declaration.<\/p>\n

    If you fail to sign it, or if the signature on the ballot declaration does not match the signature on your voter registration<\/span> record, the county elections department will contact you.<\/p>\n

    You must mail your ballot from a post office. A mailed ballot must be postmarked<\/span> on or before Election Day<\/span><\/strong>, or deposited in an official ballot drop box<\/span> by 8 p.m. on Election Day<\/span>. A postmark on or before Election Day<\/span> is sufficient for a mailed ballot, if the ballot otherwise meets legal requirements. If you’re concerned about your ballot arriving on time, you can also drop it off in person at an official\u00a0ballot drop box<\/span><\/a>\u00a0until 8 p.m. on Election Day<\/span>.<\/p>\n

    Who Is Eligible To Vote in Washington?<\/h2>\n

    To register and vote in Washington, you must be:<\/p>\n