REGISTRATION

Automatic Voter Registration- Washington provides automatic voter registration through the Department of Licensing. Like other states, AVR is limited to this motor vehicle agency.
RECOMMENDATION: Expand automatic voter registration in Washington to a broad set of state agencies.

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Online Voter Registration- Online voter registration is provided in Washington up until 29 days before Election Day.

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Same-Day Registration- As of 2019, Washington now has same-day registration.

VOTING PROCESS

Voter ID Requirement- Washington does not require Voter ID for the voters casting a ballot by mail. However, a non-photo ID is required to register to vote. Acceptable forms of identification include: valid driver’s license, state ID, tribal ID, Social Security number, utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document showing name and address.

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Early Voting- Elections are conducted by mail, obviating the need for early voting. Vote centers are open 18 days prior to Election Day.

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No Excuse Absentee- Elections are conducted by mail, obviating the need for separate absentee voting.

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Mail-In Voting- Elections in Washington are conducted by mail. Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, but can also be returned to a ballot drop box or a county elections department.

VOTING RIGHTS

Felon Re-Enfranchisement- Returning citizens have their voting rights restored upon completion of sentence, parole, and probation.
RECOMMENDATION: Restore voting rights immediately upon completion of sentence. Better yet, follow the lead of Maine and Vermont and repeal disenfranchisement laws.

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Voter Bill of Rights- Washington does not have a voter bill of rights. However, the Washington State Legislature recently passed a series of new laws to help voter turnout and protect against discrimination and disenfranchisement, including a state version of the federal Voting Rights Act (2017/18 SB 6002), referred to as “a model for the country.”
RECOMMENDATION: Implement a voter bill of rights, place prominently on appropriate websites, and provide directly to voters.

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Polling Hours- Vote centers are open until 8 pm on Election Day and are open 18 days before Election Day.

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Wait Time Service Standard- Like other states, Washington does not have a wait time service standard. However, since elections are conducted by mail, waiting times at the polls are not an obstacle to voter engagement as in other states.