Voter Eligibility

Washington State encourages every eligible person to register to vote and participate fully in all elections. Each of us is responsible for protecting the integrity of the electoral process by providing equal access, and guarding against fraud and discrimination.

To register to vote, you must be:

• At least 18 years old by Election Day, or 17 years old at the primary and 18 years old by the day of the November general election
• A citizen of the United States
• A legal resident of Washington State
• Not disqualified from voting due to a court order
• Not serving a sentence of total confinement in prison.

Citizenship

You must be a citizen of the United States. If you have questions about citizenship, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Residency Requirements

You must be a resident of Washington State. Your voting residence is your permanent address or a transitional address where you physically reside.

Felony Convictions and Voting Rights

If you have been convicted of a felony, your right to vote is restored as long as you are not in total confinement (in prison or on community custody) of the Department of Corrections. Once your right is restored, you must re-register to vote in order to receive a ballot.

Mental Competency & Voting Rights

Only a Superior Court can declare a person ineligible to vote due to mental incompetency. A guardian may not vote on behalf of the person under guardianship, and power of attorney does not extend to voting. MORE>>

Do Not

• Accept payment, or offer to pay another, to register to vote
• Register in more than one location
• Submit false information on a voter registration application

If you have witnessed, or been a victim of, fraud or discrimination you may submit a Voter Concern Form.

More Information

For more information about voter eligibility, visit the VoteWA website.