Frequently Asked Questions on Voting by Mail

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  2. Frequently Asked Questions On Voting By Mail

Washington votes by mail every election.

If you are registered to vote in Washington, there is no need to request a ballot. To see if you’re registered, visit VoteWA.gov. You can register in person until 8 p.m. on Election Day to participate in that election.

Voting by mail gives you time to learn about ballot measures and candidates before casting your vote. Return your ballot by official drop box or by mail, no stamp needed. Ballots in an official drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day are guaranteed on time.

If you need to mail your ballot, we recommend mailing it more than a week before Election Day. After that, use a ballot drop box. It's the fastest way for your ballot to be received!

All vote-by-mail ballots (also known as absentee ballots) are kept in secure storage while not being processed.

Washington State Vote-By-Mail Fact Sheet – Overview of vote-by-mail in Washington.

Path of the Ballot in Washington State – Shows the steps a ballot takes during the election process from start to finish.

When are ballots mailed?
Your ballot is mailed at least 18 days before each election. Your packet will include a ballot, a security sleeve for your voted ballot, and a return envelope with pre-paid postage. If you are a registered voter and do not receive your ballot, contact your county elections office.
How can I learn more about the measures and/or candidates that appear on my ballot?

Washington has many ways to help voters become informed:

VoteWA.gov – your online voters’ guide made for your ballot.

State Voters’ Pamphlet – mailed to every residence in Washington before the November General Election.

Primary Voters' Pamphlet - sent by your county elections office before the August Primary.

When is the latest I can turn in my completed ballot?

Return your ballot to an official ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Find drop box locations at VoteWA.gov.

If you need to mail your ballot, we recommend mailing it more than a week before Election Day. Ballots returned too late cannot be counted.

Sign in to VoteWA.gov to check your ballot status. You can also text VOTE to 868392 to get text alerts. Please allow 3-5 business days for your county to receive your ballot.

Why do I need to sign my envelope?

Your county elections office reviews your signature and compares it to your voter registration record. They will contact you if there's a problem with your signature. If you are unable to sign the declaration, make a mark in front of two witnesses and have them sign in the designated spaces.

Can I track my ballot?

Yes. Sign in to VoteWA.gov to check your ballot status.

You can see when your ballot was mailed, received, accepted or challenged. Text VOTE to 868392 to get text alerts.

If you need help, contact your county elections office.

Can I vote in person?

Yes. If you need assistance, each county opens an accessible voting center beginning 18 days before Election Day and ending at 8 p.m. Election Day. Locate your nearest voting center by checking VoteWA.gov or contacting your county elections office.

You can return your mail ballot in person to a county elections office or voting center. You can also get a replacement ballot if needed. Your returned ballot will be processed the same way as a ballot returned by drop box or by mail.

What if I’m away from home during an election?

Update your mailing address at VoteWA.gov or contact your county elections office to have your ballot forwarded to a temporary address.

Voters away at college

Seasonal resident (Snowbird)

Military and overseas voters

What if I move?

If you move within Washington, update your address at VoteWA.gov or contact your county elections office.

If you leave Washington but still consider yourself a Washington resident, you may update your mailing address to follow you anywhere in the world.

If you’d like to vote elsewhere, fill out a voter registration cancellation form and mail it to your county elections office.

How do I get a replacement ballot?

Just ask! Contact your local county elections office if you need a new ballot or did not receive the original ballot. Remember, your county may only accept one ballot and will verify your signature.

You can also print a replacement ballot at VoteWA.gov.

How do provisional ballots work in Washington?

You can register in person on Election Day and get a regular ballot, so provisional ballots are not common. Counties issue provisional ballots when they need to check your eligibility to participate in the election.

I made a mistake! How do I change my vote?

If you make a mistake, follow the instructions on your ballot to correct it.

If you’ve already turned in your ballot, you cannot change your choices.

Will my ballot count if I don’t vote on everything?

Yes. You can vote in all or some of the contests on your ballot. The votes you cast will be counted.

Will my ballot count if I forget to use the security sleeve?

Yes. Your elections office will securely process your ballot even if you forget the security sleeve.

How does the elections office secure my ballot?

Securing Your Vote

How is my ballot counted? (English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese)

Path of the Ballot (English, Spanish)

When are election results final?

Results are unofficial until the election is certified:

  • 10 days after special elections and presidential primaries,
  • 14 days after primaries and
  • 21 days after general elections.

Unofficial election results are released on election night after 8 p.m. and are updated as additional ballots are counted.

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Path of the Ballot in Washington State

For more information, see our webpage on USPS and Election Mail Resources.