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Voter Registration Frequently Asked Questions
What are the registration requirements?
To register to vote in the state of Washington, you must be:
- A citizen of the United States
- A legal resident of Washington state
- At least 18 years old by election day
- Not presently denied your voting rights due to a felony conviction.
In the state of Washington, you do not have to register by political party or declare political party membership
to vote in the state's regular primaries or general elections.
How can I get a registration form?
Online
Register online, 24-hours a day by visiting the Secretary of State's web site https://wei.secstate.wa.gov/osos/secure/pages/Onlinevoterregistration.aspx
Mail-in
Or download and print voter registration forms.
Choose your language:
In-person
Voter registration forms are also available at:
- Benton County Elections
- City Halls
- All public libraries
- All public schools
When are the registration deadlines?
To be eligible to vote, you must be registered to vote at least 29 days in advance of an election. It is especially important to remember this deadline if you are registering to vote by mail. Your application must be postmarked by the 29-day cutoff or it will not become effective until after the election.
If you miss the 29-day deadline and are not currently registered in the State of Washington, you can still sign up in time for the election, but you must register in person at the Benton County Elections Office no later than 8 days before the election.
Why do you need my mailing address and residential address?
As a voter, the residential address you provide determines the issues and candidates that you can vote on. However, you can receive your elections mail at any valid mailing location you choose: a post office box, personal mailbox, college mailbox, or a military or out of state/country address. All elections-related materials, including your ballot, will be sent to the mailing address you provide.
Can I register if I have a Non-traditional residential addresses or I am homeless?
The Washington Constitution doesn’t require a "residence" as a condition of voting as long as a person meets all other registration requirements. (Article VI Section 1)
Voters who lack a traditional residential address can register at the shelter, park, motor home, intersection or other identifiable location they consider their residence. This location will be used to determine which precinct they will vote in. (RCW 29A.08.112 effective 2005)
Along with your residential address, you must also provide a valid mailing address. An accurate, valid mailing address is essential in order to receive ballots and election information on time. This can include a post office box, address of a friend or relative, shelter, or general delivery at a local post office.
How can I keep my registration information from being view by the public?
The Address Confidentiality Program assists crime victims (specifically victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking) who have relocated to avoid further abuse. It helps participants keep their home, work and/or school address secret by providing a substitute mailing address. It also allows clients to register to vote or apply for a marriage license without revealing their actual address.
To participate or learn more about the Address Confidentiality Program, please visit http://www.secstate.wa.gov/acp/ or call (800) 822-1065 (in Washington only).
How can I report a deceased voter?
If a voter is deceased, another registered voter may complete a cancellation form to cancel the registration. Print and sign a deceased voter cancellation form (PDF).