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:

• A citizen of the United States
• A legal resident of Washington State
• At least 18 years old by Election Day
• Not disqualified from voting due to a court order
• Not under Department of Corrections supervision for a Washington felony conviction

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. Learn more about Residency Requirements.

Felons & Voting rights

If you have been convicted of a felony, your right to vote is restored as long as you are not under the authority (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. Learn more about felons and voting rights.

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. Learn more about mental competency and voting rights.

Fraud Prevention

Do not:

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

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