Voting 101

How to Register

Who is eligible?
If you are at least 18 years old or turn 18 by Election Day, you are eligible to register to vote in the State of Washington if you meet other voter eligibility requirements including being a US citizen and a resident of the State of Washington. Citizens as young as 16 may register but they cannot vote until they are 18.

Where do I register?
Registration is easy, especially online. Visit the State of Washington Secretary of State’s Elections page to register.

What do I need to register?
You will need your residence address and a Washington State driver’s license or identity card. 

How to Vote

Voting begins with ballots mailed to voters’ homes. To vote, fill out the ballot, place it in the privacy envelope, place the privacy in the return Declarations Envelope, note your party preference on it,  and sign the envelope before mailing.  Your signature will be compared with that on file with the Spokane County Auditor.  If your signatures don’t match, the Elections Office will be in touch with you to “cure” your ballot. 

To be sure your ballot will be counted, mail it before Election Day (no postage required) or drop it in a Ballot Drop Box. 

If you delay voting until Election Day, make sure you drop off your ballot at a Drop Box.

Ballot information

2024 Washington State Voters’ Pamphlet

Spokane County Local Voters’ Pamphlet

Spanish pamphlet: Spokane Folleto de Votantes

Translated resources - ballots and registration forms in multiple languages (courtesy of LWV)