Natural disasters and voting
You can still vote away from home when disaster strikes.
Wildfires, earthquakes, flooding, pandemics, or any other natural disaster should not stop you from voting.
How do I get my ballot?
Ballots are mailed by county election offices no later than 18 days before Election Day. If you have not received your ballot by the following week, contact your county elections office as soon as possible.
You can also download and print a replacement ballot from VoteWA.gov, but you cannot return a ballot through VoteWA. This service is available after your county mails ballots until 8 p.m. on Election Day.
How do I return my ballot?
Return your ballot one of three ways:
- At an official ballot drop box
- By mail
- We recommend that you mail your ballot more than a week before Election Day. The fastest way to have your ballot received is to use a drop box.
- In person at a county elections office or voting center
Do I need to update my voter registration?
You can add a separate mailing address to your registration if you need to receive mail somewhere else. Visit VoteWA.gov or contact your county elections office.
Online and by-mail updates must be received no later than 8 days before Election Day.
Update in person at any county elections office until 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Your local county elections office
Each county elections office has a contingency plan in place to ensure election operations can continue during emergencies. Staff are prepared to help voters and reduce any issues caused by natural disasters.