Voting in
Washington

WAUpdated February 1, 2026

Your Voting Cheat Sheet

Washington is an all vote-by-mail state where every registered voter automatically receives a ballot. Same-day voter registration is available at vote centers. No photo ID is required; identity is verified through signature matching.

Online Reg AvailableSame-Day RegNo-Excuse AbsenteeNo ID Required

Upcoming Elections in Washington

Primary

Washington Primary Election

WA

Washington uses a top-two primary system. All voters receive the same ballot and the two candidates with the most votes advance to the general election.

Key Races
  • U.S. Senate nomination
  • U.S. House nominations (all 10 districts)
  • State legislature nominations
158 days away
General

2026 Federal Midterm General Election

Nationwide

The 2026 midterm general election determines control of Congress and numerous governorships. All 435 U.S. House seats, approximately 33-34 U.S. Senate seats, and 36 governorships are on the ballot.

Key Races
  • U.S. Senate (33-34 seats)
  • U.S. House of Representatives (all 435 seats)
  • Gubernatorial races (36 states)
  • +3 more
249 days away

Registration Deadlines

241 days until earliest deadline
OnlineOctober 26, 2026
By MailOctober 26, 2026
In PersonNovember 3, 2026
Register Now

Quick Facts

Online Registration
Yes
Same-Day Registration
Yes
Voter ID Required
No
No-Excuse Absentee
Yes

Voter ID Requirements

Washington votes entirely by mail and does not have traditional polling places. Voter identity is verified through signature matching on the ballot return envelope.

Early Voting

Early voting is not available in Washington.

Absentee / Mail-In Voting

No-Excuse Absentee Yes
Return DeadlineNovember 3, 2026

Election Day Polling Hours

N/A - All mail voting; ballots must be postmarked by Election Day

Election Day: November 3, 2026

Key Facts

  • Washington is an all vote-by-mail state; every registered voter receives a mailed ballot
  • Same-day voter registration is available at vote centers through Election Day
  • No photo ID is required; identity is verified through signature comparison
  • Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day or returned to a drop box by 8:00 PM
  • Washington has been voting by mail statewide since 2011

Find Your Polling Place

Enter your address to find your specific polling location and see what's on your ballot.

Lookup Now

Get Washington Election Reminders

We'll email you before registration deadlines and elections in Washington.

From the Digest Network

Campaign FinanceSoon

Want to know who's funding these candidates?

Get notified
Congressional BillsSoon

Track the bills your representatives are voting on.

Get notified