News

OLYMPIA — National Voter Education Week is Oct. 5-9, and the Office of the Secretary of State is encouraging people to start getting ready for the Nov. 3 General Election.

Even though ballots won’t be mailed until Oct. 16 at the latest, voters can start preparing for the election now. From listingall the critical dates and deadlines to learning about the issues, measures, and candidates, voters have access to a wealth of information on the Secretary of State’s elections web page.

“Whether people are registering to vote for the first time… Read more

The Office of the Secretary of State released the following statement regarding a phishing campaign affecting public and private organizations across the country.

"The Office of the Secretary of State is aware of an active cyber threat facing government entities throughout the country. Though we have no reason at this time to believe this is targeted at elections, we are working with our federal partners and have notified local elections officials. "Out of an abundance of caution, the Office of the Secretary of State's Security Operations Center is taking proactive steps to… Read more

OLYMPIA —Secretary of State Kim Wyman filed legal action yesterday asking Thurston County Superior Court to declare she is not required to accept electronic signatures on initiative petitions. The filing was made as a result of initiative sponsors asserting the Secretary of State is required to count electronic signatures when verifying and canvassing signatures on initiative petitions.

Two types of initiatives may be filed in Washington state: initiatives to the People, which are submitted for a direct vote of the people; and initiatives to the Legislature, which are submitted to… Read more

OLYMPIA — National Voter Registration Day is Tuesday, Sept. 22, and Secretary of State Kim Wyman is encouraging all eligible Washingtonians to register to vote in time for the Nov. 3 General Election.

“As Americans our right to vote is sacred, and it is incumbent upon all of us as citizens to participate in our democracy and make our voices heard,” said Wyman, whose office oversees elections in Washington. “Each year National Voter Registration Day reminds us of our duty to recognize and celebrate every citizen’s role in shaping the future of our state, and our nation.”

… Read more

OLYMPIA — Washington state voters may soon receive a postcard from the U.S. Postal Service encouraging voters to “plan ahead” for the Nov. 3 General Election. Among the recommendations is to request a mail-in or absentee ballot at least 15 days before Election Day.

The following is a statement by the Office of the Secretary of State in response to the “If you plan to vote by mail, plan ahead.” postcard.

“Voters in Washington do not need to request a ballot, as ballots are automatically mailed to all registered voters at least 18 days prior to Election Day. There is no need… Read more

Issued in collaboration with the Washington State Association of County Auditors.

OLYMPIA — In coordination with Washington’s 39 county election officials, the Office of the Secretary of State Wednesday issued an emergency rule change that requires county officials to use First Class mail when sending ballot packets to voters beginning at least 15 days before Election Day.

“Closer to Election Day, many counties throughout Washington already switch over to First Class mail to ensure voters receive materials with enough time to cast their ballots,” said Secretary of State… Read more

Petition filed with Thurston County Superior Court seeks clarity on “crossover signatures” to qualify minor party presidential candidates for the November General Election

OLYMPIA —Washington’s Office of the Secretary of State Monday filed a petition with Thurston County Superior Court seeking expedited clarification as to whether the secretary of state may accept or reject signatures of voters who signed nominating petitions for more than one minor party.

According to state law, “[n]o person may sign… Read more

OLYMPIA — Today the Office of the Secretary of State certified Washington’s Aug. 4 Primary Election, in which more than 2.51 million people — or 54.44% of all registered voters in Washington — cast their ballots. The turnout rate is the highest on record for a Primary since 1964 when over 840,000 people voted, representing a 56.06% turnout.

“It’s gratifying to see that voters are excited, engaged, and eager to exercise their right to vote and make their voices heard,” said Assistant Secretary of State Mark Neary. “We look forward to serving the people of Washington state and… Read more

OLYMPIA — Former U.S. Senator Slade Gorton died Wednesday morning at the age of 92. Secretary of State Kim Wyman released the following statement:

“Washington state lost one of its fiercest leaders and greatest champions today.

“A giant in Washington politics, Slade defined servant leadership. From his time in the Army and Air Force to his years of service in the state Legislature, as our state’s attorney general, and in Congress, he built a legacy. His ability to foster community and reach consensus was rare and unparalleled in politics today. His fervor for our state and… Read more

OLYMPIA — The U.S. Postal Service’s capacity to meet the increased service demand during mail-in elections this fall has been cause for concern given President Trump’s recent remarks about the lack of additional funding for the agency. Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman, the state’s chief elections officer, says despite concerns nationwide, Washington voters should rest assured that ballot delivery and return services should continue without… Read more