Early &
Mail-in Voting
in Washington

Warning: Mail-in voting is a convenient and safe way to vote, but your ballot might not count if it's submitted late or with errors. So follow the directions below on how to vote early or absentee and make your vote count in Washington.

Note - this information below may change for your state due to ongoing litigation and legislation. This page will be updated within 24 hours of any change.

Request Your Mail-in Ballot Early Voting

Vote Before Election Day

Vote Early In Person

07/14/2023

Early Voting Begins

07/31/2023

Early Voting Ends

Vote By Mail Deadlines

07/25/2023

Deadline to Request Ballot (Received by)

08/01/2023

Deadline to Return Ballot (Postmarked By)

In-Person Early Voting

You can vote early in your state before Election Day. Early voting begins on 07/14/2023 and ends on 07/31/2023

You can return your mail-in ballot to your early voting site.

You may vote early in person at any vote center in your county. You may also register to vote in person at vote centers through Election Day.

How Vote By Mail Works in Washington

Washington is a vote-by-mail state. Ballots will be mailed to all registered voters, meaning it has a one step process. After you complete your ballot, be sure to return it ASAP!

Return in person by August 1st at 8 p.m. You can return to your county designated vote centers, drop box, or your local elections office.
Or mail in your ballot - ballots must be postmarked by August 1st to be counted. To make your postmark date, put the ballot into your home mailbox for collection at least one day prior to ensure it is picked up and processed. You can also drop the ballot off at the post office before the last posted collection time on August 1st. We recommend returning your ballot ASAP.

Need your ballot sent to a different address? Apply here by July 25th and follow the steps listed above. If you need to receive a replacement ballot in the week before the election, you may print your ballot using your online voter portal.

Look Up Ballot Drop Off Locations

You may vote by mail for any reason

You don’t need an excuse to request an absentee ballot. You can vote by mail for any reason.

Remember to Sign Your Return Ballot

After you complete your ballot, be sure to sign the declaration on the outside of the ballot envelope. Be sure that your signature matches your signature on file with the state! If you registered online or at the DMV, check the signature on your license. If the signature does not match, your ballot could be tossed and will not count.

Use The Right Form of ID

If you are voting in person, a valid ID is required. Info here on what qualifies. If voting by mail, no voter ID is required, but the signature on the ballot will be compared to signature on file with voter registration form.

How You Can Return Your Mail-in Ballot

By Mail

Your postage is prepaid.

By Courier

Return your ballot via commercial delivery services, such as FedEx or UPS (at your expense)

In Person

Local elections office
Drop box
Early voting locations

Anyone may return a ballot on your behalf.

Look Up Ballot Drop Off Locations

Make Sure Your Mail-in Vote Counts

Your state offers electronic, barcode ballot tracking services so you can make sure your ballot gets counted. Click here to track your ballot.

Haven't used your ballot?

If you have an absentee ballot that you are not going to use, or you miss the deadline to return, you may go to your vote center and vote in person. You may be asked to use a provisional ballot.

Election Protection Hotline

The national, nonpartisan Election Protection coalition was formed to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to participate in the political process. Made up of more than 100 local, state and national partners, Election Protection works year-round to advance and defend the right to vote.

Call 866-OUR-VOTE if you need assistance.

More about voting in Washington

Find your polling place, ID laws, and more about voting for the first time below.

Voting Info for Washington First Time Voter Info