Future Voter Program

Frequently Asked Questions:

Starting July 1, 2019, new legislation allows 16- and 17-year-olds to sign up as future voters and be automatically registered to vote when they turn 18.
  • Be at least 16 years old
  • A U.S. citizen
  • A Washington resident
  • Online at votewa.gov using your driver’s license or state ID.
  • Mail in a paper form.
  • In person at your county elections office or when you get your enhanced driver’s license 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’re a Future Voter, you’re automatically registered to vote when you turn 18, so you’ll be able to vote in the election and sign petitions after your 18th birthday!
The deadline to have your mailed or online registration processed is eight (8) days before an election. If your birthday is within those eight (8) days before an election, you will need to visit your county elections office in person to check your registration status and receive a ballot.
  • 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.
Future Voter sign-up information is protected while underage. Once you turn 18 you become registered and voter registration info is public. Visit our Elections FAQ for more information.