Military and Overseas Voters
As a military or overseas voter, you have several options for registering to vote, receiving your ballot and returning it. A military voter is one who is actively serving; this includes the National Guard and the Reserves. An overseas voter is one who is living outside the U.S. or U.S. territories.
If you are a military spouse or dependent, and you are away from home because of the military service, you also qualify as a military voter.
If you are stationed in Washington but wish to vote in your home state, use the Federal Voting Assistance Program.
When can I register and request a ballot?
Normal state registration deadlines do not apply to military and overseas voters due to federal law.
The last day to register and request a ballot is Election Day. Your signed ballot declaration serves as both registration and confirmation of eligibility.
How do I register to vote?
When registering, please indicate you are in the military or living overseas.
You must provide a Washington residential address—your last Washington address or the address of a family member.
Your mailing address can be anywhere in the world.
You can register in these ways:
- Online using VoteWA - you must have a Washington state ID, driver’s license, or a Social Security number.
- By mail - print and return a paper form.
- In person - fill out your form at your county elections office.
Paper forms can be mailed, emailed or faxed to your county elections office.
If you do not have a Washington ID, you may use the Federal Voting Assistance Program.
How can I receive my ballot?
You can get your ballot by:
- Fax
If you don’t choose an option, a ballot will automatically be mailed to you.
You may be able to get your ballot as early as 90 days before the election.
If your ballot doesn’t arrive or you register close to Election Day, request one right away. Specify whether you would like to receive your ballot by mail, email or fax.
Contact your county elections office to:
- Request a ballot or a replacement ballot;
- Change how you receive your ballot (for example, by email instead of postal mail); or
- Update your voter registration record (for example, update your mailing address).
If you think your ballot won’t arrive in time, you can use a Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB)— a backup ballot available online, at U.S. embassies and consulates, or through Voting Assistance Officers.
Where can I find information about what is on my ballot?
Washington has many ways to help you learn about the measures and candidates on your ballot:
- VoteWA – Personalized information for your ballot.
- State Online Voters’ Guide – Information on all federal and state candidates and statewide measures. For local information, contact your county elections office.
To request printed elections material, contact your county elections office.
How do I return my ballot?
You may return your ballot by mail, email or fax.
By mail
Sign and date your declaration no later than Election Day.
The ballot must be received by your county elections office by these deadlines after Election Day:
- November General: within 20 days,
- August Primary: within 13 days,
- Special Elections: within 9 days,
- Presidential Primary: within 9 days.
By email or fax
You can take a clear and legible picture of your ballot packet pages or scan them.
Your ballot must be received by your county elections office by 8 p.m. Pacific Time on Election Day.
Return the entire ballot packet:
- declaration and signature sheet
- cover sheet
- ballot
How do I know if my ballot was received?
Go to VoteWA.gov, log in, and open the "Your Ballot & Voting Materials" tab.
This page may take time to update.