New voters: the Vote by Mail process explained

Vote by Mail

Information courtesy the Washington State Secretary of State

Washington State votes by mail. Vote by mail is convenient and gives you extra time to learn about the ballot measures and candidates before casting your vote. 

1. Receive your ballot 

Your ballot is mailed to you at least 18 days before each election. To receive your ballot, your voter registration mailing address must be current. You can update your address online with MyVote. 

If you are a registered voter and do not receive your ballot, contact your county elections department. 

2. Vote your ballot 

Your ballot packet will include a ballot, a secrecy envelope, and a return envelope. Follow the instructions that accompany your ballot. If you need a replacement ballot, contact your county elections department. 

Be an informed voter

Washington has many ways to help voters become informed about ballot measures and candidates: 

• The state General Election Voters’ Pamphlet is mailed to every household in Washington. If you need the General Election Voters’ Pamphlet in accessible formats or alternate languages, call (800) 448-4881 or email voterspamphlet@sos.wa.gov. 
• For personalized ballot measure and candidate information online, go to MyVote. 
• For all ballot measures and candidates, visit the Online Voters’ Guide. 
• For local races, visit the website for your county elections department. 

Other sources of information about candidates and issues include local newspapers, television, libraries, political parties, and campaigns. 

3. Return your ballot 

Your ballot must be: 

• Postmarked no later than Election Day; or 
• Returned to a designated ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day; or 
• Returned in person to your county elections department by 8 p.m. on Election Day. 

If you fail to sign the ballot declaration, or the signature on the ballot declaration does not match the signature in your voter registration record, your county elections department will contact you. If you are unable to sign the declaration, make a mark in front of two witnesses and have them sign in the designated spaces. 

Find out more about the next steps of ballot processing and secrecy.