2026 voter guide
WA
How to vote in Washington in 2026
Every deadline, rule, and official link — kept simple. When you're ready, build a personal plan with calendar reminders in about a minute.
Key dates
- State Primary
- Tuesday, August 4, 2026
- General Election
- Tuesday, November 3, 2026
- Register online by
- Monday, October 26, 2026
- Register by mail by
- Monday, October 26, 2026(received)
- Register in person by
- Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Deadlines shown are for the November 3, 2026 general election.
Subscribe to these deadlines
One tap adds every Washington deadline to your calendar — and when rules change, the dates update on their own. No account, no email.
Register to vote
Online: Received 8 days before Election Day. By mail: Received 8 days before Election Day. In person: Election Day. Same-day registration available.
Online — the fastest way
A few minutes on the official site.
By mail
Print, sign, and mail the National Mail Voter Registration Form.
In person
At your local election office — or same-day at the polls.
Already registered? Double-check.
Vote by mail
Washington runs all-mail elections — every registered voter automatically receives a ballot. No request needed: every registered voter automatically receives a mail ballot.
Returning it: Postmarked by Election Day.
Vote in person
Early voting
OfferedWashington votes by mail — ballots go out about October 16. Voting centers are open from October 16, 2026 (18 days before the election) through 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
On Election Day — Tuesday, November 3, 2026 — vote at your assigned polling place or vote center.
On your 2026 ballot
2 statewide measures are certified for Washington's 2026 ballots so far.
Parental Rights in Public Schools InitiativeCitizen initiative · Parental rights · Nov 3, 2026
This initiative would re-enact Initiative 2081, the state's parental rights law, as originally passed, undoing later changes made by House Bill 1296. It restores parents' rights to review education materials, receive notice before certain medical services are offered to their child, and opt their child out of sexual health education.
A yes vote means: Re-enacts Initiative 2081's parental rights provisions and repeals the changes made by House Bill 1296.
A no vote means: Keeps the current parental rights law, including the changes made by House Bill 1296.
Sex Verification Requirements for Female School Sports InitiativeCitizen initiative · School sports · Nov 3, 2026
This initiative would require school districts and organizations that regulate school sports to bar students who are biologically male from competing in sports designated for female students. Students seeking to play in girls' sports would need documentation from a healthcare provider verifying their sex.
A yes vote means: Requires schools and athletic associations to limit girls' school sports to students verified as biologically female.
A no vote means: Keeps current state law, which requires athletic activities to be offered to all students without regard to sex, including gender identity.
All 2026 ballot measures, state by state →
Statewide measures only, from Ballotpedia's certified list (checked Jul 6, 2026). Local measures appear on your county sample ballot.
Quick answers
Can I register to vote online in Washington?
Yes — Washington has official online registration (deadline: Monday, October 26, 2026 for the general election). It usually takes a few minutes.
Do I need an excuse to vote by mail?
No — Washington runs all-mail elections. Every registered voter automatically receives a ballot.
Can I register on Election Day?
Yes — Washington offers same-day registration. Online: Received 8 days before Election Day. By mail: Received 8 days before Election Day. In person: Election Day. Same-day registration available.
When are the 2026 elections?
State Primary: Tuesday, August 4, 2026 · General Election: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Turn this into your plan
Three questions, then every Washington deadline lands on your calendar with reminders.
Make your voting planCompiled from official state sources, vote.gov, and Ballotpedia (2026 calendars). Rules occasionally change — when it matters, confirm with the Washington election office. Found an error? Tell us.