Washington

Registering to Vote

How do I register to vote for the first time?

You can register to vote in Washington by using one of the following methods:

• Online: Register to vote by completing the application on the VoteWA website
• By mail: You may get a paper voter registration form by printing one out from the WA Secretary of State’s website, picking up a paper form at your local elections office, or completing a request to receive a form through the mail. Once you’ve filled out the form, you’ll need to print it, sign it, and mail it.
• In person: Visit an office where elections are administered in your area and register there in person. You must register within 8 days before the election. 
• On Election Day: Washington has same-day voter registration. You’ll be able to complete a voter registration form at your polling place. If you do not register within 8 days before the election, you must register at your polling location.

The application is available in Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Burmese, Chinese, Creole (Hawaiian), English, Farsi, French, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer (Cambodian), Korean, Laotian, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tigrinya, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.

You can also register to vote on BallotReady.org.

How do I update or change my voter registration?

The process of changing your voter registration is similar to registering to vote for the first time. You can update your voter registration online, by mail, in-person, or during same-day voter registration. You can also use BallotReady.org to check your voter registration status. 

Remember that the deadline to change your voter registration through the mail or online is 8 days before the election. After that, you must register in person.

What ID do I need to register to vote?

The identification that you need to register to vote in Washington varies based on the method of registration: 

Registering to vote in an election office 

Be prepared to provide your Washington driver license number, ID card number or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Note your ID will be required in order to cast a ballot.

Registering to vote by mail

You must provide your Washington driver's license or ID card number. If you do not have a Washington driver's license or ID card, you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number. Failure to provide this information may prevent your registration from being processed.

Registering to vote online

You will need a current Washington State driver's license, permit or ID card.

Registering to vote on Election Day

Be prepared to provide your Washington driver license number, ID card number or the last four digits of your Social Security number required. To vote, signature on ballot declaration or provisional ballot must match voter registration record or you must provide photo ID such as driver's license, state ID card, student ID card, tribal ID card, employer ID card, or US passport.

Registering to vote during in person during early voting

Be prepared to provide your Washington driver license number, ID card number or the last four digits of your Social Security number required. To vote, signature on ballot declaration or provisional ballot must match voter registration record or you must provide photo ID such as driver's license, state ID card, student ID card, tribal ID card, employer ID card, or US passport.

If you’re under the age of 18, you may still be eligible to register to vote! If you can pre-register, you’ll need the following documents:

Pre-registering to vote in an election office 

Be prepared to provide your Washington driver license number, ID card number or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Note your ID will be required in order to cast a ballot.

Pre-registering to vote by mail

You must provide your Washington driver's license or ID card number. If you do not have a Washington driver's license or ID card, you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number. Failure to provide this information may prevent your registration from being processed.

Pre-registering to vote online

You will need a current Washington State driver's license, permit or ID card.

For more information on voting requirements for your state, make a plan to vote on BallotReady.org.  

How do I check my voter registration?

Residents of Washington can check their voter registration status through the following methods:

• Online: Visit Washington’s voter registration page on the VoteWA website through the Secretary of State. 
• Election authority: For specific questions, you may be able to contact your local elections office, courthouse, or county elections office for more information on your voter registration status.

You can also check your voter registration on BallotReady.org. 

What is the deadline for registering to vote?

In Washington, you need to be registered to vote at least 8 days before an election to be eligible to cast a ballot. 

For the upcoming {{ next_election_name }}, your voter registration application must be:

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• Received in-person by: {{ deadline_voter_registration_in_person }}
• Submitted online by: {{ deadline_online_voter_registration }}

Sign up for BallotReady election deadline reminders via text or email.

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Yes, Washington has same-day voter registration. If you are unable to register by the online or mail deadline, you may register to vote at a polling place. You will be able to cast your ballot immediately after completing your voter registration.

Can I register to vote during early voting?

Yes, in Washington, you can complete voter registration during early voting. At your early voting location, be sure to register to vote before completing your ballot.

Who is eligible to register to vote?

Washington residents that fit the following criteria are eligible to register to vote:

• Be a citizen of the United States
• Be a legal resident of Washington state for at least 30 days prior to election day.
• At least 18 years old by election day
• Not disqualified from voting due to a court order
• Not under Department of Corrections supervision for a Washington felony conviction

In Washington, you can register to vote, even if you’re under the age of 18! Future voters who are 16 or 17 may pre-register to vote. They will be eligible to vote for the first election after they turn 18. 

Do I have to choose a political party when registering to vote?

Washington gives voters the option to choose a political party when registering to vote. It is not required to register, but choosing “no party preference” could limit your ability to participate in presidential primary elections and caucuses.