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Washington

A State-by-State Guide to Absentee Voting

How do I request an absentee ballot?
Many counties in Washington vote entirely by mail. In these counties, you may contact your County Auditor and update your mailing address to reflect your out-of-state location. If your county votes at a polling place, you may request an absentee ballot by contacting your County Auditor (in person or by phone, fax, e-mail or mail).

Where do I send the request?
Send the request form to your County Auditor. Find contact information here.

What is the deadline for requesting an absentee ballot?
You may request an absentee ballot from 90 days prior to Election Day until the day before Election Day:
Until February 18 for the Primary Election
Until November 3 for the General Election

What is the voting procedure?
Follow the instructions on your ballot, sign it, and mail it back to the County Auditor.

What are the deadlines for voting absentee?
Absentee ballots must be postmarked (or delivered directly to the office of your county election officer) on or before Election Day. There will be a 21 day certification period following the General Election for absentee ballots that are postmarked by Election Day.

What are the election dates and deadlines for 2008?
Primary Election: February 19
General Election: November 4
Voter registration closes 30 days prior to Election Day.

How do I contact the Secretary of State / election officials?
Sam Reed, Secretary of State
P.O. Box 40220
Olympia, WA 98504-0229
E-mail: sreed@secstate.wa.gov
Tel: 360-902-4151

Nick Handy, Director
Elections Division
520 Union Avenue SE
Olympia, WA 98504
E-mail: elections@secstate.wa.gov
Tel: (360) 902-4180
Toll Free: (800) 448-4881

Are there requirements for first-time voters?
No.

Is permanent absentee status available?
If you wish to receive an absentee ballot for every election, check the appropriate box when you register to vote. The State will automatically send you a ballot for every election in which you can vote. To update this status, contact your County Auditor.

Additional information:
FAQs on Voting by Mail