Many don't know about their voting rights and options.
Voting is a fundamental right and a key way to make your voice heard in our democracy. This page will guide you through how to cast your ballot in Washington state.
Voter Dates & Deadlines
Presidential Primary
A primary is an election where voters select their preferred candidate to represent the party in the general presidential election. Learn more here.
November Presidential Election
The presidential election is the election where voters cast their ballots to elect the next President and Vice President of the United States.
February 23, 2024: Start of 18-day voting period. Ballots are mailed out.
March 4, 2024: Online & by mail registration deadline.
March 12, 2024: Election day and in-person registration deadline.
October 28, 2024: Start of 18-day voting period. Ballots are mailed out.
October 28, 2024: Online & by mail registration deadline.
November 5, 2024: Election day and in-person registration deadline.
Voting Requirements
​Voter Eligibility
To register to vote in Washington, you must be:
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A citizen of the United States.
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Click here for resources on becoming a US citizen. ​
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A resident of Washington state.
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At least 18 years old.
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If you are 16 or 17 years old, you can pre-register to vote as a Future Voter and ​automatically receive a ballot when you are eligible. You can also vote in the August Primary if you turn 18 before the November General election.
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You cannot register to vote if:
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You are disqualified from voting due to a court order.
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You are currently serving a sentence for a Washington felony conviction.
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You are currently incarcerated for a federal or out-of-state felony conviction.
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ID Requirements
To register to vote in Washington, you must have one of the following to prove identification:
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A Washington state driver's license or permit.
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A Washington state identification card.
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The last 4 digits of your social security number (SSN).
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If you could not provide identification when registering to vote, you must provide one of the following to count your ballot:
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Photo ID, such as a driver’s license or permit, state ID card, or student ID card.
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Tribal ID card.
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Utility bill.
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Bank statement.
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Government check.
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Paycheck.
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Government document, other than your voter registration card, which shows both your name and current address.
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Click here for resources on acquiring identification.
Otherwise, you may be issued a provisional ballot. To find out if your provisional ballot was counted, contact your County Elections Office or check VoteWA.gov.
Voter Registration
In Washington state, you can register to vote online, in person, or by mail.
Online​
Visit votewa.gov to vote online.
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In Person or By Mail
Fill out a voter registration form - mail or return it to your county's election office. Find your county's election office here. Make sure you're visiting during office hours!
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You can also request a voter registration form to be mailed to you here.
How to Cast Your Ballot
Once you've registered to vote, your ballot will be automatically sent to your address via mail. You can vote and return your ballot once you receive it.
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There are three ways to return your ballot.
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By Mail
You can vote and return your ballot through the U.S. Postal Service as soon as you receive it. There is no stamp required. We recommend dropping your ballot in the mail by the Friday before Election Day to make sure it gets postmarked in time to be counted. Your ballot must be postmarked by Election Day.
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Ballot Drop Boxes
Return your ballot to a ballot drop box, no stamp required. Your ballot must be returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Plan ahead to avoid lines.
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You can find your closest drop box here.
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Vote Centers
​Vote Centers are available to voters who need assistance completing their ballot. Trained staff and specialized equipment are available to help voters with disabilities cast a private, independent ballot.
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You can find your closest voting center here.