Washington Election Results 2026: Results certified by Dec 3

Washington votes by mail, and identity is checked by signature: you sign the declaration on your ballot return envelope and your county elections office compares that signature to your voter registration record, contacting you if there is a problem. The Secretary of State's vote-by-mail FAQ lists no ID to present when returning a ballot. If you did not provide identification when you registered to vote, you must provide one of the following for your ballot to count: photo ID such as a driver's license or permit, state ID card or student ID card; a tribal ID card; a utility bill, bank statement, government check or paycheck; or another government document (other than your voter registration card) showing your name and current address. A provisional ballot is issued if a person might otherwise be denied the opportunity to vote.

To register to vote in Washington you must be a United States citizen, a Washington state resident, at least 18 years old (if you are at least 16 you can sign up as a Future Voter and will be automatically registered when you turn 18), not disqualified from voting due to a court order, not currently serving a sentence of total confinement in prison under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections for a Washington felony, and not currently incarcerated for a federal or out-of-state felony conviction. Online and mail registrations must be received 8 days before Election Day (October 26, 2026); after that you can register and vote in person at a county voting center through 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Washington restores voting rights to citizens with felony convictions immediately upon release from prison. The Secretary of State's page says that if you were convicted of a felony in Washington, another state, or in federal court, your right to vote is restored immediately upon release from prison. You do not need a certificate of discharge (COD) to register to vote, but you must register again to receive a ballot. Under the state's eligibility rules you cannot register or vote while serving a sentence of total confinement in prison under the Department of Corrections or while incarcerated for a federal or out-of-state felony.