Voting in Washington: Key Dates and Official Resources

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The general election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Washington votes entirely by mail. Every registered voter is mailed a ballot, which can be returned by mail (no stamp needed) or in an official ballot drop box. County voting centers offer in-person help, replacement ballots, accessible voting units, and same-day registration; locations and hours vary by county.

Key Dates and Deadlines

  • Ballots mailed / 18-day voting period begins: By Friday, October 16, 2026 (voting period runs through Election Day)
  • Early / in-person voting: No separate early-voting period. Washington's 18-day voting period begins Oct. 16. Accessible voting units and in-person services are available at county voting centers; locations and hours vary by county
  • Online and mail voter registration deadline: Must be received by Monday, October 26, 2026 (8 days before Election Day)
  • In-person registration (same-day): Through 8 p.m. Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at a county elections office or voting center
  • Mail ballot request deadline: Not applicable: all registered voters are mailed a ballot automatically. Replacement ballots are available from your county elections office or VoteWA.gov
  • Ballot return: drop box: In an official ballot drop box by 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 3, 2026 (guaranteed on time)
  • Ballot return: by mail: Must be postmarked by Election Day, November 3, 2026. No stamp needed. The Secretary of State relays the USPS advice to mail it more than a week before Election Day
  • Election Day hours: Drop boxes and voting centers close at 8:00 p.m. on November 3
  • ID requirements: No ID is needed to vote and return your mail ballot. Signatures on return envelopes are checked against the voter record. To register you need a WA driver license, WA ID, or last 4 digits of SSN. You can register without ID, but your ballot will not be counted until you give your county elections office a qualifying ID

Official Washington Election Resources

Please confirm: Election rules and deadlines can change. Always confirm dates, hours, and locations with official Washington election sources or your county election office before you vote.

Information compiled from official state election websites as of October 19, 2026.