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Elections and Voting

How to use government information basic information for assignments, research, and your own personal use during elections and to vote as an informed citizen.

Who Conducts Elections?

Where can I find Election Data?

Washington State Voter Registration Database

Primaries vs. general elections

  • Voters in Washington State do not declare a political party when they register.
  • Washington State is a "Top 2 Primary" state, which means:
    • Voters can vote for any candidate (regardless of political party) running in each primary race.
    • The two candidates who receive the most votes in the Primary Election qualify for the General Election.
  • Candidates can declare a preference for a certain party and that preference will appear besides their name on ballots.
Who Can Collect and Return an Absentee Ballot Other Than the Vote, State Conference of State Legislators show Washington State has not made a specified rule.

Absentee voting

Washington State is a vote-by-mail state and you can vote in Washington State even if you are away from home during an election. Make sure you update your mailing address with your county elections department in order to receive your ballot at the correct address. Although your mailing address can be anywhere in the world, your residential address must remain in Washington State.

To apply for a Special Absentee Ballot, submit this form.

 

 

Who, What, Where

Primaries vs. general elections

  • Voters in Washington State do not declare a political party when they register.
  • Washington State is a "Top 2 Primary" state, which means:
    • Voters can vote for any candidate (regardless of political party) running in each primary race.
    • The two candidates who receive the most votes in the Primary Election qualify for the General Election.
  • Candidates can declare a preference for a certain party and that preference will appear besides their name on ballots.

Who are the candidates, and what else is on the ballot?

Where to go with complaints about candidates or how elections are conducted

Any person who believes that a violation of Title III of the federal Help America Vote Act has occurred, is occurring, or is about to occur may file a complaint with the Office of the Secretary of State.

How to contact your elected officials:

Find your elected State representatives and U.S. representatives

 

Hotlines

1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)

1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (en Español)

1-888-API-VOTE (Asian multilingual assistance)