Voting in Washington State

Q: How do I return my ballot so my vote is counted?

A: Once you’ve marked your ballot, put it in the security sleeve and the envelope, and signed the envelope, you can return it one of two ways:

📮 Mail your ballot. Your ballot requires no postage, it is free to mail. Your ballot envelope must be postmarked by Election Day, so if you are mailing it on Election Day, make sure you check the pickup times or hours at your local post office or mailbox.

🗳️ Drop your ballot in your local ballot dropbox. These dropboxes are placed strategically throughout the state (see the map above). Dropboxes close at 8pm on Election Day.

It’s a good idea to mail your ballot early if you can, so you don’t have to stress about these deadlines.

Q: Where’s my nearest ballot drop box?

A: You can find ballot box locations on your county’s Elections Office website.

Q: I didn’t get my ballot, what can I do?

A: Go to VoteWA.gov to request a new ballot or update your registration.

Q: Can I get a replacement ballot if I lost or messed up my ballot?

A: Yes! You can contact your county elections office or log into VoteWA.gov. Remember, your county will verify your signature and only accept one ballot.

Q: Can I vote in person?

A: Yes! Your county should have a voting center open during business hours during the voting period, which starts 18 days before the election and ends at 8pm on Election Day. Find your nearest voting center by logging into VoteWA.gov or contacting your county elections office.

Q: I missed the Online Voter Registration deadline, can I still register to vote?

A: Yes! You can register in person all the way up until Election Day. Here is a list of Election Offices statewide, by County.

Q: How does the elections department process my mail-in ballot? How do I know it’s secure?

A: The Washington Secretary of State explains it in the graphic below and like this: “It is essential to the integrity of an election that ballot processing be accurate and transparent, while maintaining your right to a secret ballot. After you return your voted ballot, your county elections department follows this ballot counting process: Your signature on the outer return envelope is checked against the signature on file in your voter registration record to make sure they match. You are credited for voting in that election. This ensures that only one ballot from each voter is counted. The outer return envelope, which identifies you, is then separated from the inner security envelope, which contains your voted ballot. Your ballot cannot be traced back to you, ensuring the secrecy of your vote. All ballots are inspected to make sure the tabulating machine will be able to read all votes. Tabulation equipment is tested before every election to make sure it is working accurately.”

Q: Is my voting record public?

A: Who you vote for is completely secret, but whether you vote is public information, and organizations can follow up with you after the election about your voting record. Lots of people take pride in having a good voting record, and we want UFCW 3000 members to vote in every election so we can always make our voice heard!

Q: Will my ballot count if I choose not to vote on certain issues or candidates?

A: Yes, it will count. You can choose to skip any measures or offices you don't wish to vote in and all the votes you do cast will be counted. But we recommend you look into who’s on your ballot so you can help decide who we send to our City and County Councils, to the State Capitol, to Congress, and to the White House. As union members, we understand the power of voting and having a voice.

Q: What should I do if I’m not able to vote, but I still care about politics?

A: There are lots of ways to be involved in the political process through your union, from local issues to national races. Email us at politics@ufcw3000.org for more information.

Registering to Vote and Checking or Updating Your Voter Registration

Q: When is the next election?

A: Future election dates can be found at the Secretary of State’s Elections website. In Washington State, we vote by mail, so if you are registered to vote, your local elections office will mail your ballot out to the address they have on file for you at least 18 days before each election.

Q: How do I know if I’m registered to vote and will get my ballot at the right address?

A: It’s easy to check on your registration! Just go to VoteWA.gov. If the address listed there is not correct, you should update your registration. You can do that online, as long as you have a current Washington State driver's license, permit or ID card. If you don’t have one of those, you can still update your registration by printing and mailing this form, or contact your county elections office for more options.

Q: If I’m not registered, how do I register to vote?

A: You can register online, by mail, or in person. The easiest way for most people is to register online. The deadline to register online is 8 days before Election Day. To register online, you need a current Washington State driver's license, permit or ID card. Otherwise, you can print and mail your registration: find a voter registration form here. To request a form be mailed to you, fill out this form. Mail registrations must be received 8 days before Election Day as well. If you miss the deadline, you can register to vote in person all the way until Election Day by going to your county elections office.

Q: I’m not 18 yet, should I wait until my birthday to register to vote?

A: Actually, in our state 16- and 17-year-olds can pre-register to vote. Click here to pre-register, and you’ll be registered to vote as soon as you turn 18.

Q: I have a felony conviction. Can I vote?

A: Maybe. Go to Restore Your Vote to learn more about your voting rights and whether you can vote in the upcoming election.