Public Records Request
What is a public record?
A public record is document information created, received, or maintained by a government entity that relates to the conduct of public business. Public records can include records in many formats such as:
- Paper records
- Electronic records
- Emails
- Pictures
- Recordings, etc.
The Public Records Act (PRA) gives the public the right to inspect or obtain copies of identifiable public records. The Office of Washington Secretary of State follows Chapter 434-12A WAC when processing public records requests.
Looking for a specific record?
Many commonly requested records—including court records, driving records, police reports, property records, and vital records—are maintained by other state or local agencies, not the Office of the Secretary of State.
How to request records
Under the PRA, requests must describe identifiable records. This means your request should include enough detail for staff to reasonably locate the records you want.
Requests for "all records" or substantially all records held by an agency are generally not valid public records requests. To help us locate records more quickly, please include details such as:
- The type of record requested
- The subject or topic
- Names of people, agencies, divisions, or locations
- Relevant dates or timeframes
- Any other identifying information
If a request is unclear or too broad, we may request clarification, which can cause delays.
Many public records are already available on our website through the links below:
- Elections – Search voter registration, ballot delivery and return data, candidates, initiatives and referenda, election results (county and statewide), county elections offices, and elections-related data and research.
- Corporations and Charities – Search for businesses, corporations, charities, or non-profit organizations.
- Archives – Search historical records and documents preserved for research purposes.
To speed up your request
Many of the public records requests we receive are for records held by other agencies. The Office of the Secretary of State does not maintain records for all state or local agencies.
Each agency has its own public records officer who handles records requests. Searching online for the agency most likely to hold the records may help you submit your request to the right office more quickly.
The Washington Secretary of State's Online Public Records Request Portal lets you make a request, communicate with staff, and receive your responsive records through one convenient location.
Other ways to make a request:
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Email:
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Email: [email protected]
NOTE: Please be specific about the record(s) you are requesting (title of record, type of record, date range).
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Mail:
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Public Records Officer
Washington Secretary of State
PO Box 40224
Olympia WA 98504-0224
NOTE: Please be specific about the records you are requesting (title of record, type of record, date range).
- Phone or Fax
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Phone: (360) 704-5220
Fax: (360) 704-7834
Records that are not disclosed
The Public Records Act contains a list of records that allow or require certain records to be withheld from public disclosure. Other state and federal laws may also restrict disclosure of some records. If we withhold records or black out portions (also known as redaction), we will identify:
- The record or type of record withheld
- The legal exemption that applies
- And a brief explanation of how the exemption applies
Public Records Index
We maintain a records index required by RCW 42.56.070(5).
State records retention schedules list the types of records agencies create and receive, how long agencies keep them, and how agencies dispose of them. For more information, view the Washington State General Records Retention Schedule.
Fees
The Washington Secretary of State reserves the right to charge for records in accordance with WAC 434-12A-100.
Contact Information
Public Records Office
PO Box 40224
Olympia, WA 98504-0224
Phone: (360) 704-5220
Fax: (360) 704-7834
Email: [email protected]