Last update: Apr 24, 2025 04:32 a.m. EDT
Last update: Apr 23, 2025 04:32 a.m. EDT
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These guides are researched, written, and updated by Democracy Works, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization. The information in these guides originates from official state sources and is reviewed by state election offices. The guides also link to authoritative state and local resources to provide additional information.
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Registration Summary
Washington offers online voter registration. You can register by mail to vote in Washington by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer.
Voting 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.
Registration Top Actions
Voting Top Actions
Can I register to vote online?
- Washington offers online voter registration.
- To register online in Washington, you need to provide ONE of the following: Washington driver license number, Washington permit number, Washington state ID number, or the last 4 digits of your Social Security number. If you don't have a Washington-issued ID or Social Security number, you can still register by mail or in person with an alternate ID.
Watch this video about online voter registration from the Washington Secretary of State.
How can I check the status of my mail ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Washington’s website.
Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?
Use the Washington voter registration form
You can register to vote using the Washington voter registration form. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and fill it out completely. Send the completed form to your local election office. Your form must be received by your local election office no later than 8 days before Election Day.
You can also register and vote in person at a voting center. Voting centers are open from 18 days before the election until 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Watch this video about by mail registration from the Washington Secretary of State.
How do election officials keep voting secure?
Election officials in your state and community are working hard to ensure the integrity of our elections. All states have implemented security measures to protect the vote.
Visit the Washington Secretary of State website to learn more about election security. If you’re interested in getting involved with elections in your community, contact your local election office to learn about opportunities in your area.
Can I submit voter registration forms in person?
- You can register to vote in person. Contact your local election office for information on when and where to register to vote.
- You can also register to vote and cast a ballot in person at a voting center on Election Day.
- Learn more by visiting the Washington Secretary of State website or contacting your local election office.
Watch this video about in person registration from the Washington Secretary of State.
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.
Who can register to vote?
To register in Washington you must:
- be a United States citizen
- be a legal resident of Washington
- be at least 18 years old by election day (16- and 17-year-olds can sign up as Future Voters and automatically be registered to vote when they qualify)
- 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
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.
Can I register to vote before I turn 18?
You can register to vote in Washington before you turn 18 if you:
You must be at least 18 years old to vote, except that you may vote in a primary election if you are 17 and will be 18 by the General Election.
- are at least 16 years old
- are a United States citizen
- are a Washington resident
- are not disqualified from voting due to a court order
- are not currently serving a sentence of total confinement in prison under the jurisdiction of the department of corrections for a Washington felony conviction
- are not currently incarcerated for a federal or out-of-state felony conviction
You must be at least 18 years old to vote, except that you may vote in a primary election if you are 17 and will be 18 by the General Election.
Can I submit a voter registration application online before I turn 18?
Yes, you can register online on the Washington Secretary of State website.
To register using the Washington online voter registration system, you are required to provide your Washington driver license number, Washington permit number, Washington state ID number, or the last 4 digits of your Social Security number.
If you don't have a Washington-issued ID, you can still submit a voter registration application by mail or in person with an alternate ID.
Can I submit a voter registration application by mail before I turn 18?
Yes, you can learn more about registering to vote by mail on the Washington Secretary of State website.
When submitting your application by mail in Washington, you are required to provide your Washington driver license, permit, or ID number or the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you have not been issued any of these numbers, you can leave that field blank. After you submit your application, your local election office will reach out to give you instructions about using an alternate ID to complete the voter registration process.
Can I complete a voter registration application in person before I turn 18?
Yes, you can learn more about registering to vote in person on the Washington Secretary of State website.
You can complete a voter registration application in person at any of the following public agencies in Washington:
- County Elections Offices
- Department of Licensing when you get your driver's license, permit, or ID
You can also register at your school's Temperance and Good Citizenship Day event in January.
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 offers early voting. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you.
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 or permit
- 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 (tribal ID does not require a residential address or expiration date)
- 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
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 offers early voting.
- You can choose whether to vote by mail, on Election Day, or during the early voting period, whichever you prefer.
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 or permit
- 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 (tribal ID does not require a residential address or expiration date)
- 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
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.
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.
If my election office finds an issue with my mail ballot after I return it, can I fix it?
In Washington, you can correct the following issues after you return your ballot to your local election office:
- missing voter or witness signature
- signature that does not match your signature on record
This process is called ballot curing.
Your local election office will reach out to give you instructions if they find an issue with this information on your ballot return envelope. Methods of outreach may vary.
Contact your local election office for more information about ballot curing.
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.
Watch this video about voting by mail from the Washington Secretary of State.
How do I see what's on my ballot?
View the online voter guide on the Washington Secretary of State's website.
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 your ballot does not arrive after you submit your FPCA, 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
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 or election security.
- You can contact your local election office or the Washington Secretary of State to discuss issues you might have at the polls or concerns about voter intimidation.
How do I contact my local election office?
Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.
How do I contact my state election office?
- PO BOX 40229, Olympia, WA 98504-0229
- Telephone: (360) 902-4180