1. REGISTER TO VOTE
Who can register?
To register in Washington, you must:
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Be a United States citizen
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Be a Washington resident
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Be at least 18 years old by Election Day
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Not be disqualified from voting by a court order
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Not be incarcerated for a felony conviction
Your voting rights are restored when you are released from prison, but you must register again to receive a ballot.
People ages 16 and 17 can sign up as Future Voters and will be registered automatically when they become eligible. A 17-year-old who will turn 18 before the November general election may vote in that year’s primary.
How to register
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Online: Register or update your information at VoteWA.gov.
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By mail: Download a Voter registration form and return it to King County Elections.
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In person: Register at King County Elections or a Vote Center through 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Online and mailed registrations must be received at least eight days before an election.
2. RESEARCH YOUR BALLOT
Your ballot contains only the contests and measures for the districts in which you are registered.
Use several trusted sources before making your choices:
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Read your official voters’ pamphlet
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Watch candidate forums and interviews
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Review credible news coverage
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Research candidates’ experience, public record, endorsements and campaign funding
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Learn what a “yes” or “no” vote means for each ballot measure
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Talk with informed people and organizations you trust
Remember that candidate and campaign websites explain what they want voters to know. Compare those claims with independent sources.
3. COMPLETE YOUR BALLOT
Ballots are mailed to registered voters approximately 18 days before Election Day.
When completing your ballot:
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Follow the instructions included with your ballot.
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Fill in the oval beside each selection.
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Place your completed ballot in the return envelope.
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Sign the declaration on the envelope.
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Add your phone number or email so King County Elections can quickly contact you if there is a problem.
You do not have to vote in every race for your ballot to count. Any contests you leave blank will be skipped, and your other selections will still be counted.
If your ballot is lost, damaged or incorrectly marked, request a replacement from King County Elections or visit a Vote Center.
4. RETURN YOUR BALLOT
Return your completed ballot as soon as possible. You have three options:
Official ballot drop box
Place your ballot in an official King County ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Find a ballot drop box >
By mail
No stamp is required. Your ballot must be postmarked by Election Day. The U.S. Postal Service recommends mailing it at least one week early.
A postmark records when USPS processes your ballot—not necessarily when you place it in a mailbox. If Election Day is near, use an official ballot drop box.
Vote Center
You may also return your ballot at a King County Vote Center. Vote Centers can provide registration assistance, replacement ballots and accessible voting equipment.
Find a Vote Center >
5. TRACK YOUR BALLOT
After returning your ballot, use VoteWA.gov or King County My Voter Information portal to confirm that it was received and accepted.
Is there a problem with your signature?
King County Elections will contact you if your return-envelope signature is missing or does not match the signature in your voter record.
Follow the instructions provided to correct—or “cure”—the issue before the deadline. Providing a phone number or email on your return envelope may help election officials reach you sooner.
If signature problems happen repeatedly, submit a signature-update form to King County Elections.