Being a voter is powerful. Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy and the fundamental right upon which all our civil liberties rest. This year, voting in state and local elections can continue to have a huge impact on the livelihood of all Washingtonians.
Local elections matter. There is more on the ballot than the basic positions that might come to mind. Voting for city council members, county commissioners, school board members, and superior court judges – is critical to our democracy. These elected officials make decisions every day that impact our towns and communities, and many later move on to higher office. The positions local lawmakers take can also affect policies at the state and federal level. Simply put, all politics are local.
Unfortunately, turnout for elections in years without legislative or presidential races is dramatically low, even though they’re more likely to have an impact on your day-to-today life. In 2023, only 36.41% of registered Washington voters cast a ballot in local races, compared to 78.95% in the 2024 general election.
Remember: Voting in all races on your ballot is an effective way to ensure your voice is heard by all levels of government.
Every county (besides King County) elects their sheriff
Funding for schools and fire departments can be increased through an election
County election leadership is elected every 4 years
Most judges and prosecutors in Washington are elected
How to Vote
This August, we have the power to send a message to elected officials about what we value and what we want them to prioritize.
Step 1: Register! Check your voter registration to make sure you’re registered to vote.
Step 2: Read what’s on the ballot! Learn what’s on the ballot in your area and see how being a voter can protect our future. Check out this primary election fact sheet.
Step 3: Make a plan! Find the location of your nearest ballot drop box and make a concrete plan to get there. Or learn how to vote by mail.
Step 4: Vote your rights! Pledge to vote in this election and encourage your friends and family to do the same.
5 Reasons to VOTE
1. Elections have consequences. Every vote matters.
2. It’s your right. Not voting is giving up your voice.
3. It's your money.
4. Voting is an opportunity for change.
5. The community depends on you!
-
If you were convicted of a felony in a Washington State court, your right to vote is restored automatically once you are no longer serving a sentence of total confinement in prison. Under Department of Corrections Authority only people in total confinement for a felony conviction are not eligible to vote.
-
In Washington state, 16- and 17-year-olds can sign up as Future Voters and be automatically registered to vote when they become eligible. A voter who turns 18 between the August Primary and the November General Election can vote in the Primary (RCW 29A.08.170). Signup at VoteWA.gov
-
Yes! Use the last 4 digits of your social security number and fill out a paper voter registration form.
Three ways to register
Online
You can register online, 24 hours a day, at the Washington Secretary of State’s website.
To register online, you will need:
A current Washington State driver license, or
A current Washington State ID card
If you do not have either of these, you can still register by mail or in-person.
In-person
You can register to vote in-person at the county’s auditors office.
Find a Washington State Auditor’s Office near you!
By mail
Download and print a voter registration form and mail it in. Forms are available in many languages. Click the language of your choice and print the form.
Get Out & Vote CHA CAMPAIGN
Please feel free to download the graphics and flyers to help support your voter registration outreach efforts or email hispanic@cha.wa.gov.
Did you know that?
State and Local voters' pamphlets will be mailed the week of Oct. 18th.
Washington State is a Vote-By-Mail state.
Voters do not need to request that a ballot be mailed to them.
A ballot is automatically mailed to all registered voters.
Voter Outreach and Education Materials
You have the power to make key decisions on the quality of life you want for yourself, your family, and your community. Voting is your chance to stand up for the issues you care about like affordable housing, economic justice, environmental protection, and quality education.
