Washington State votes by mail. Vote by mail is convenient and easy. It also gives you extra time to learn about questions and contests before casting your vote.
Once registered, voters will receive their ballot packet in the mail 20 days before each election.
You can confirm or update your address at VoteWA.gov or contact our office. A Voters’ Pamphlet is available each election printed and online.
Once completed, voters can return their ballot by mail (no postage required) or by placing it in a ballot drop box. Once you have returned your ballot, you can check the status by logging in to VoteWa.gov and clicking the “Ballot Status” tab.
Find important dates for upcoming elections on the Elections in 2023 page.
There are three ways to register or update:
1. Online
2. Paper form
3. In-person
You can register to vote online or by mail until 8 days before an election, or in-person through Election day. Registrations returned by mail need to be received by the 8-day deadline.
Election Type | Election Date | Deadline to Register Online or by Mail | Deadline to Register in Person |
---|---|---|---|
Special | February 14, 2023 | February 6, 2023 | February 14, 2023 at 8:00 pm |
Special | April 25, 2023 | April 17, 2023 | April 25, 2023 at 8:00 pm |
Primary | August 1, 2023 | July 24, 2023 | August 1, 2023 8:00 pm |
General | November 7, 2023 | October 30, 2023 | November 7, 2023 8:00 pm |
To register to vote in Washington, you must be:
Welcome to Washington! As a new resident of Washington State, you can register to vote online with VoteWA, by mail, in-person, or when you get your new state driver license or ID. New enhanced drivers’ licenses are automatically registered to vote.
You may not vote in multiple states. Be sure to cancel any previous voter registration before you register in Washington. Unlike other states, you do not have to choose a party when you register to vote in Washington.
16 and 17-year-olds can pre-register to vote online with VoteWA, by mail, in-person. Future voters will not receive a voter registration confirmation or a ballot packet until they turn 18, and will not appear in the public registration database.
Beginning in 2022, 17-year-olds who are pre-registered to vote will be able to vote in the August primary election and presidential primaries as long as they turn 18 before the next November general election.
Voting in Whatcom County brochure
Felony Conviction and Voting Rights Restoration brochure
Future Voter (16 or 17-years old)