How do I register to vote in Washington?

Washington combines vote-by-mail, automatic registration, and same-day registration for one of the most accessible systems in the country.

1. Eligibility (Wash. Const. art. VI; RCW 29A.08.010)

U.S. citizen.

18 years old by Election Day (pre-register at 16).

WA resident for at least 30 days before the election.

Not under Department of Corrections supervision for a felony — rights automatically restored upon release from DOC (RCW 29A.08.520, amended by SB 5087 in 2021 to remove community-custody disqualification).

Not declared mentally incompetent.

2. How to Register

Online: VoteWA.gov (requires WA DL/ID).

Automatic Voter Registration at the Department of Licensing.

Paper: mail to county auditor.

Same-Day at a Voting Center: register and vote in person at any county Voting Center through 8 p.m. on Election Day with proof of residence (RCW 29A.08.140).

3. Deadlines

Online and mail: 8 days before Election Day.

In-person Voting Center registration: through Election Day.

4. ID Requirements

WA DL/ID or last 4 of SSN at online/mail registration.

For in-person same-day: bring proof of residence (DL, utility bill, bank statement, government document).

Washington votes by mail — no polling-place photo ID.

5. College Students

May register at school address; voter pamphlet and ballot are mailed.

This is legal information, not legal advice.