Future Voter Program

Frequently Asked Questions:

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).

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • A U.S. citizen
  • A Washington resident
  • 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.
Use the last four (4) digits of your social security number to sign up using a paper form.
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 state August Primary. You’ll be able to sign petitions after your 18th birthday!
If your address has not changed, you can expect to receive a mailed ballot approximately 2 weeks before election day. Contact your local county elections office for assistance and be ready to vote! 
August Primary only: A 17-year-old who will be 18 by the November General Election can vote in the August Primary.
  • 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.
A charge of delinquency in juvenile court does not impact your ability to participate in the Future Voter program or vote.
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.

Temperance and Good Citizenship Day: NEW! Future Voter Q&A with Sounders FC and OL Reign

Temperance and Good Citizenship Day (January 16; observed January 13, 2023) promotes civics education and peaceful citizen engagement.