Future Voter Program
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Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is the Future Voter program?
- In Washington state, 16- and 17-year-olds can sign up as Future Voters and be automatically registered to vote when they become eligible. A voter who turns 18 between the August Primary and the November General Election can vote in the Primary (RCW 29A.08.170).
- Future Voter brochure: English, Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese
- How do I qualify for Future Voter?
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- Be at least 16 years old
- A U.S. citizen
- A Washington resident
- How do I sign up for Future Voter?
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- Online at VoteWA.gov using your driver's license, permit, or state ID.
- Mail in a paper form.
- In person at your county elections office or when you get your driver's license, permit, or ID at Department of Licensing.
- At your school's Temperance and Good Citizenship Day event in January.
- What if I don't have a driver's license?
- Use the last four (4) digits of your social security number to sign up using a paper form.
- When can I vote or sign a petition?
- If you are a 17-year-old who will be 18 by the November General Election, you will receive a ballot in the mail to vote in the Primary. You’ll be able to sign petitions after your 18th birthday!
- What if I turn 18 right before an election?
- If your address has not changed, you can expect to receive a mailed ballot approximately two (2) weeks before election day. Contact your local county elections office for assistance and be ready to vote!
A 17-year-old who will be 18 by the November General Election can vote in the Primary Election.
- What if I move, leave the country, go to college, or join the military?
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- Your residential address determines your ballot content. We can mail your ballot anywhere in the world, but your residential address must remain in Washington. You may not vote in more than one place.
- Keep your mailing address updated. If you move within Washington, submit a new registration form to update your enrollment info.
- Overseas — submit a new registration form with your updated mailing address and mark Overseas Status.
- At college — submit a new registration form with your updated home or school mailing address.
- Military — submit a new registration form with your updated mailing address and mark Military Status.
- What if I have been charged with a delinquency in juvenile court?
- A charge of delinquency in juvenile court does not impact your ability to participate in the Future Voter program or vote.
- Is my information private?
- Future Voter sign-up information is protected while underage. Once you are eligible to vote you become registered and voter registration info is public. Visit our Elections FAQ for more information.
- What if I'm in the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP)?
- If you are in the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP), signing up to vote will be different for you. You can be a Protected Records Voter (PRV) and have your address information kept out of the VoteWA database. Call ACP at 360-753-2972 and they will send you a form and help you stay safe.
- Resources for Teachers
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