Voting in Washington

Vote by Mail

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 be mailed a ballot packet 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 an official ballot drop box. Once you have returned your ballot, you can check the status by logging in to VoteWa.gov.

Find important dates for upcoming elections on the Elections in 2024 page. 

How to Register to Vote or Update Information

There are three ways to register or update:

1. Online

• With a current Washington State driver license or State ID or the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number, you can register or update online at VoteWA.gov

2. Paper form

• Download, print, and complete a paper voter registration form .

3. In-person

• You can register to vote in-person at the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office, Election Division

Who Can Register

To register to vote in Washington, you must be:

• A citizen of the United States
• At least 18 years old by election day
• Not disqualified from voting due to a court order
• Not currently serving a sentence of total confinement under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections for a Washington felony conviction
• Not currently incarcerated for a federal or out-of-state felony conviction

New Washington Residents

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. 

Future Voters

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.

Additional Information

Voting in Whatcom County brochure

Felony Conviction and Voting Rights Restoration brochure

Future Voter (16 or 17-years old)