For complete information on voter registration and elections, visit the King County Records & Elections website.
Who can register to vote?
U.S. citizens 18 and older who are residents of Washington State and have their full civil rights are eligible to vote. Persons convicted of a felony lose their civil rights and the right to vote and their voter registration is canceled. Once their rights are restored by the court where they were convicted, and upon completion of their sentences, individuals must re-register to vote. Individuals may register if their sentences have been overturned or they have been pardoned.
What are the registration deadlines?
You must register at least 30 days before an election. If you are a new Washington state voter, and you miss the 30-day deadline, you may register in person at the Elections Office up to 15 days before the election, but you will have to vote in that election by absentee ballot, which you must request at the time you register. You may register if you are 17 years old but will turn 18 on or before the next Election Day.
What should I bring to the polls?
State law requires voters to show identification when they vote at the polls. Acceptable forms of ID include: any form of photo identification, including but not limited to a driver’s license, state identification card, student identification card, tribal identification card, voter registration card (excluding records flagged for first identification check), a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check or other government document. If you do not provide identification, a provisional ballot will be issued. If your name is not in the poll book when you go to the polling place, you can vote with a provisional ballot.
What if I move or change my name?
If you move within Washington state or change your name, you must change your voter registration. These changes may be made by completing and mailing a mail-in voter registration form. Voters moving within King County may change their address by calling the Election Office at (206) 296-VOTE (8683).
Where can I register to vote?
Voter registration forms are available online in several languages at www.secstate.wa.gov.
You can obtain a mail-in form at the following locations:
- King County Records, Elections and Licensing Services Division
- City and town clerks, public schools libraries and fire stations
- King County Community Service Centers
- The League of Women Voters of Seattle office
- Motor Voter registration: Citizens may register to vote or transfer a voter registration when applying for or renewing a driver’s license or state identification card.
Absentee Ballots
Absentee ballots are available approximately 20 days prior to each election. The returned voted ballot must be postmarked on or before election day to be valid.
One-time Request
If you want an absentee ballot for one election only, you can apply in person, by phone or by mail to King County Elections, or visit www.kingcounty.gov/elections. Submit your request at least 10 days before the election through the mail, or up to 7 days before the election by phone. After that, you may apply in person up to the day before an election.
Ongoing Request
All registered voters may apply for ongoing absentee voter status by contacting the Election office. Written application is required and must include:
- Your printed name and written signature
- Your registered address and ballot mailing address
- Your voter registration number (optional).
A ballot will automatically be sent to you for all elections in which you are eligible to vote.
Military
If you are in the military or living overseas and you are registered to vote, you can have your absentee ballot mailed to you. Additional voting options are available upon request, if an absentee ballot does not arrive on time. Military and overseas voters can request that their ballot be faxed or emailed, or they have the option to cast a federal write-in ballot. Call or email King County Elections for more information at elections@kingcounty.gov or (206) 296-8683 (VOTE).