Washington
1 Check ID Rules
Voting in Person
You can confirm your identity at a voter center by signing a ballot declaration.
If your signature doesn’t match your voter records, you may be asked to show photo ID.
Common examples include:
- Driver’s license
- State ID card
- US passport or passport card
- Student ID
- Employee ID
Voting by Mail
Washington automatically sends mail ballots to all registered voters. There is no need to request your ballot and no excuse is required to vote by mail.
You do not need to provide ID when you vote by mail.
Note that the signature on your ballot must match your signature on file with the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have the right ID to vote in Washington?
You have the option to vote by mail if you don’t have a photo ID. Washington does not require ID for mail voting.
If you are at a vote center and can’t present an ID to confirm your identity, you have to cast a provisional ballot.
Provisional ballots make sure eligible voters are not turned away from the polls.
Your ballot will count if your signature matches the one in your voter registration record.
Can I use a digital or mobile ID to vote in Washington?
You must present a physical ID to vote in Washington. You cannot use an image, copy, or digital ID when you are voting in person.
Do I need a “REAL ID” to vote in Washington?
You do not need a “REAL ID” to vote in Washington.
REAL ID is a set of national security standards for states to follow when they issue driver’s licenses and state ID cards. Your ID will show a star if it meets REAL ID standards.
Applying for a REAL ID requires you to appear in person with a variety of documents to prove your identity.
Visit the Washington DOL website to find out exactly what is required to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID card.
2 Register
Who can vote in Washington?
You need to register before you can vote in Washington.
You can vote in Washington if you meet these requirements:
- You are a citizen of the United States.
- You are a resident of Washington.
- You are at least 18 years of age on Election Day.
You cannot register to vote in Washington if:
- You are currently incarcerated for a felony conviction. .
- You are under a court order that takes away your right to vote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register to vote in Washington if I have been convicted of a crime?
Each state has its own laws about whether citizens with previous criminal convictions can vote.
To check your eligibility to register in Washington, visit Restore Your Vote.
Can I register to vote in Washington if I attend college in Washington?
College students are allowed to vote using their Washington school residence address.
You can decide whether to register in your home state or where you attend school.
You may only be registered and vote in one location.
How to Register
Required ID Information
You have to verify your identity when you register to vote!
If you have a driver’s license or state ID card:
- Give your license or ID number on the registration form.
If you do not have either ID:
- Give the last 4 digits of your Social Security number.
- Don’t have a Social Security number? Leave this part of the form blank.
If you do not provide an ID number when you register, be ready to show an accepted ID the first time you vote.
Register to Vote Online
You can use this form to register in Washington online.
Other Voter Registration Options
- Complete a registration form and send via mail.
- Visit your local election office or a voter registration agency to register in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register and vote on the same day in Washington?
No, Washington does not allow you to register and vote on the same day.
Check Washington’s registration deadlines here!
If the registration deadline for an upcoming election has passed, you can still apply to register. Your registration will be processed, and you will be registered to vote in future elections.
How do I fix or update my voter registration information?
If you cannot find your registration information or if any details are incorrect:
- Update your name, address, or political party affiliation by submitting a new registration.
- Contact your local election office if you have questions or need to make other changes.
Register to Vote in Washington
Don’t have a state-issued ID? VoteRiders is here to help!
3 Vote
Voting in Person
You can confirm your identity at a voter center by signing a ballot declaration at a Washington voting center.
If your signature doesn’t match your voter records, you may be asked to show photo ID.
Voting by Mail
Washington automatically sends mail ballots to all registered voters. There is no need to request your ballot and no excuse is required to vote by mail.
Note that the signature on your ballot must match your signature on file with the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fix my Washington mail ballot if it is rejected?
You are allowed to “cure” (fix) your absentee ballot up to the day before the election is certified.
Election officials will send you a notice to let you know if you need to correct the signature on your ballot. You can either go in person to correct it or fill out and return a form.
