Election day in Seattle is coming up on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Although there is the option to vote in person, Washington state conducts elections via mail. That means that as long as your voter registration is current and has your correct address, all you have to do to participate in election day in Seattle is fill out your ballot at home and drop it in the mail or a ballot drop box by November 5.
The deadline to submit your voter registration online or by mail is on October 28, but you can still register to vote in person on election day! If you plan to vote in the general election this November 5, be sure to read our guide below for all the info you need to know.
Here are the answers to all of your questions about election day in Seattle:
Am I eligible to vote?
To vote in the general election in Seattle you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be a legal resident of Washington state for at least 30 days
- Be at least 18 years old (pre-registration can happen at 16 or 17, but you must be 18 years old to vote)
How can I register to vote?
You can register to vote in Washington state online! Here is the online voter registration application; you’ll need current Washington State driver’s license, permit or ID card.
If you don’t have any of the above forms of identification, you can register to vote via mail or in person. Here is the form you’ll need to print in order to register to vote via mail.
Not sure if you’re already registered? You can check the current status of your voter registration online.
The deadline to register to vote online or by mail is on October 28. If sent by mail, it needs to be received by that day. You can also register to vote in-person on election day; the deadline to register in person at your County Elections Office is November 5 by 8:00 p.m.
When can I vote?
Washington state voters can vote by mail, so you can vote as soon as you receive your ballot in the mail. Simply fill out the ballot according to the included instructions, sign it, and then drop it off in the mail or in a ballot drop box. Here are the ballot drop box locations.
Make sure your ballot is postmarked by Election Day or in a drop box by 8:00 p.m. sharp on November 5 for it to be counted.
Where do I vote?
Since Washington state conducts elections via mail, you don’t have to leave your home to vote. If you prefer to vote in-person, you can look up where to vote in Washington state.
What’s on the ballot?
You can go online to see the full list of 2023 candidates as well as the 2023 ballot measures. One benefit to voting by mail in Washington state is that you can take your time reading about the candidates and proposed measures as you fill out your ballot at home.
Anything else I should know?
- If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail you should contact your local elections office.
- If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new mailing address to receive your ballot.
- You do not need a stamp to return your ballot in the mail.
- If your signature on your ballot doesn’t match the signature on your voter registration card, you will be contacted with the contact info you’ve provided and asked to fill out and return a form.
- You can track your ballot after you drop it off.
- If you choose to vote in person without valid identification you will receive a provisional ballot.
Thanks for voting, Seattle!