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Voting by Mail in WA State
Those are registered to vote in Washington State will receive a ballot by mail to the address on their registration. The ballots will be placed in the mail at least 18 days before Election Day.
Expect to see your ballot a few days after October 18, 2024. If your ballot does not arrive, you can use votewa.gov to print a replacement ballot.
You can only vote once in an election and from one location. Printing a replacement ballot automatically disqualifies any other ballot.
The Journey of your Mail-In Ballot
Curious about how your ballot is processed once you've completed it, sealed it in an envelope, and submitted it in the mail or to any elections dropbox?
Click the button below to learn more about how the integrity of your ballot is maintained as it proceeds along its process towards certification.
Follow the progress of your ballot once you've submitted it by logging in at votewa.gov
Absentee Ballots
If you are registered to vote outside of Washington State, you can and should request your absentee ballot as soon as possible. Each state has different guidelines and policies regarding absentee ballots, so check in early with the following website to make sure you receive your absentee ballot in time, and can submit them before any election day deadlines.
Remember, you can only register to vote and vote in one location.
To register by mail or online, your application must be received no later than 8 days before Election Day. Register to vote in-person during business hours and any time before 8:00 PM on Election Day, November 5, 2024.
Yes!
As long as you are registered to vote, you can vote in the upcoming elections season. You could vote in two ways, but please note that you are ONLY able to vote ONCE.
Option 1: Vote by Absentee Ballot
Verify that you are registered to vote in your home state and request your Absentee Ballot as soon as possible. Every state has different rules and policies regarding absentee ballots and most absentee ballots will need to travel through mail to you. Absentee ballots will then need to be returned through the mail. You can learn more about the rules and policies set by your home state regarding Absentee Ballots by visiting this website: https://www.usa.gov/absentee-voting
Option 2: Register to Vote and Vote in Washington State using your Residential Address & Social Security Number
Students attending institutions of higher education can register to vote in the State of Washington by using their residential address (which can include a residence hall or rented property where you receive mail). Students will need their Social Security Number and will need to complete their register by paper form or in-person at their County Elections Office. A confirmation card will be sent to the residential address to verify that those registering to vote live there before processing the voter registration.
Registering to vote in Washington does not automatically cancel a voter's registration in another state, so students should reach out to the Elections Office in their home county to be removed from the state records as a voter registered in that state. Those who register to vote in Washington and cast a ballot should not try to vote in another state. No matter where you register to vote, you should only cast one ballot.
You can access your Voters' Guide by visiting votewa.gov. You will use the information you used to register to vote, including your first and last name, birthdate, and residence number. Once you've logged in with that information, you will be able to access your voters' guide and see the candidates and initiatives your district is voting on.
If you don't receive a ballot to your residence within a few days of October 18, 2024, you should log into votewa.gov. You'll be able to determine if your voter registration is active and confirm the address reflected on your registration.
If your registration is inactive or you need to make a change to your registration information:
You are able to update your voter registration address online up until 8 Days before the November 5th, 2024 Election. If you need to update your address after that point, you will need to visit your County Elections Office (find yours here).
If your registration is active and no changes are needed, but you still haven't received your ballot:
You can receive a replacement ballot by mail, in-person, or print one. Follow the steps below to secure your replacement ballot:
- Log into votewa.gov
- Select "Your Ballot and Voting Materials"
- Select "Get a Replacement Ballot"
- Choose one of 3 options
- Get a Replacement Ballot by Mail
- Print a Replacement Ballot Online (print for free in the Center for Student Involvement in UWY 107 during operating hours)
- Visit a Count Elections Office to receive a replacement ballot
Remember: You can only cast one ballot. Seeking and securing a replacement ballot will automatically cancel any previous ballot.
When more votes for an office or issue are selected than are permitted by law, the votes will be considered an over vote and no votes will be recorded for that office or issue. In this case, the remainder of your ballot that is valid will be counted. You may only vote for one candidate in most instances. In rare instances, when you may vote for more than one candidate, it will be clearly indicated on the ballot.
Yes, it will. You can choose to skip any measures or offices you don't wish to vote in. All the votes you cast will be counted.
Yes, it will. Your elections department will securely process your ballot if your security envelope is unsealed.
