VOTEWA.GOV
We are all aware that there are concerns about this election.
VOTEWA.GOV is your go-to source for registration. The site is run by the Washington State Secretary. There, it is easy to register to vote, update your registration, and–if you want–sign up for notifications about when your ballot is received and when your signature is accepted.
To register to vote online, you need a current Washington state driver's license, permit, or ID card. If you do not have one of those, you may use the last four digits of your Social Security number to register. If you do not have any of the above listed documents, you may still register by
mail or
in person.
The deadline for online registration and updates is October 26. Between October 27 and Election Day, you can register to vote or update your registration in person at the county Auditor’s office.
VOTING BY MAIL
While there were efforts to stop ballots from being sent by mail and delivery of ballots to those on a federal list, those efforts were stopped by the courts.
Changes in the mail service means postmarking is not guaranteed on the day that mail is deposited into the system. This resulted in many more ballots not being counted in the primary election because they arrived too late or were not postmarked as being mailed by Election Day. If you return your ballot by mail, it is strongly recommended that you do so early.
BALLOT BOXES
Using a ballot box is the best way to guarantee that your ballot is counted. The votes in ballot boxes are collected on Election Day or before. In Washington state it is entirely legal to take someone else’s ballot to the ballot box. Do not give your ballot to someone whom you do not know or trust. Ballot boxes open until 8:00 P.M. on Election Day, November 3.
VOTER INTIMIDATION
Voter intimidation can occur at various times and in various ways. Intimidation is measured by the perception of the voter, not by the intent of the individual taking action. This is important to remember as you enter space around a ballot box. Electioneering, gathering of signatures, or passing out of handbills within 25 feet of a ballot box is prohibited.
Be aware of how intimidation works and document and report any intimidation or concerning behavior that you observe. Examples of intimidation:
- Phone: Phone calls that give you false information, such as suggesting you should not vote, giving false information about the time and date of voting, or implying or saying that you may lose benefits if you vote. Document the phone number, what is said, time, and date, and report to one of the sources below.
- Electronic: Texts or e-mail messages that suggest you are not eligible to vote or mislead you about where and how to vote. Document with a screen shot along with information about the number that the message came from.
- At polling places: Any person who uses menace, force, threat or any unlawful means toward any voter to hinder or deter a voter from voting directly or indirectly. Be observant when you are using a ballot box, and make sure you are not blocking or hindering anyone or breaking any of the rules mentioned above.
Report suspicious behavior to either of the following:
- Snohomish County Auditor–425-388-3444.
- Washington Secretary of State–360-902-4180 or elections@sos.wa.gov