Washington Voting Guide
By Christie Nicholson, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Kristine Tungol Cabagnot, Esq. | Last reviewed April 24, 2024
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Welcome to FindLaw's Washington Voter Guide. We'll answer your questions about voting in the next election, voter eligibility, voter registration, 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.
Is Washington a vote-by-mail state?
Washington is a vote-by-mail state. This means that all registered voters receive a ballot in the mail before the election.
The ballot packet you receive 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.
If you fail to sign it, or if the signature on the ballot declaration does not match the signature on your voter registration record, the county elections department will contact you.
You must mail your ballot from a post office and bear a postmark of the election date. You can also take your ballot to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Am I eligible to vote in Washington?
To register and vote in Washington, you must be:
- A U.S. citizen
- At least 18 years old
- A state resident for at least 30 days before the election
In 2019, Washington began its Future Voter program, allowing 16- and 17-year-old citizens to pre-register to vote. On their 18th birthday, election officials automatically register them to vote.
In Washington State, you cannot register and vote if:
- The state has disqualified you from voting due to mental incompetency. A person under guardianship may still be able to vote if the guardianship papers affirm that right. When in doubt, you should receive a provisional ballot.
- You are under Washington’s Department of Corrections supervision for a felony conviction. The State will automatically restore your voting rights once you complete your sentence and re-register to vote.
You can check your voter registration status at the state’s voter portal.
Where Do I Vote?
Most Washington voters vote by mail. If you wish to vote in person, your county will have at least one voting center open for in-person voting. You may participate in early voting 18 days before the election, ending at 8:00 pm on Election Day.
How To Register in Washington
Washington makes it easy to register to vote. You can register:
In Person
Register in person at your county elections office. You can find your elections office here.
At the DMV
You can pick up a registration form at the DMV, a library, or your county elections department.
Washington Resources
Your vote counts. Take the time to learn how and when to vote.
