Washington

Washington is a vote-by-mail state. Your ballot will automatically be sent to the address where you are registered to vote.

You do not need ID to vote by mail in Washington (except for some first-time voters). 

If you go to a vote center, you will be asked to sign a ballot declaration or show ID or to confirm your identity. 

Learn About Voting In Person
Learn About Voting By Mail
LEARN ABOUT VOTER REGISTRATION IN WASHINGTON

Washington ID Requirements for Voting In Person

You can confirm your identity at a voter center by signing a ballot declaration.

If your signature doesn’t match your voter records, you may be asked to show photo ID. Common examples include:

  • Driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • US passport or passport card
  • Student ID
  • Tribal identification
  • Employee ID 

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Frequently Asked Questions

You have the option to vote by mail if you don’t have a photo ID. Washington does not require ID for mail voting. 

If you are at a vote center and can’t present an ID to confirm your identity, you have to cast a provisional ballot. 

Provisional ballots make sure eligible voters are not turned away from the polls.

Your ballot will count if your signature matches the one in your voter registration record.

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You must present a physical ID to vote in Washington. You cannot use an image, copy, or digital ID when you are voting in person.

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You do not need a “REAL ID” to vote in Washington.

REAL ID is a set of national security standards for states to follow when they issue driver’s licenses and state ID cards. Your ID will show a star if it meets REAL ID standards. 

Applying for a REAL ID requires you to appear in person with a variety of documents to prove your identity. 

Visit the Washington DOL website to find out exactly what is required to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID card.

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Washington ID Requirements for Voting By Mail

Washington automatically sends mail ballots to all registered voters. There is no need to request your ballot and no excuse is required to vote by mail.

You do not need to provide ID when you vote by mail.

Note that the signature on your ballot must match your signature on file with the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

You are allowed to “cure” (fix) your absentee ballot up to the day before the election is certified. 

You can track your mail ballot on the Washington Secretary of State’s website.

Election officials will send you a notice to let you know if you need to correct the signature on your ballot. You can either go in person to correct it or fill out and return a form. 

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VoteRiders is here to help! 
Contact us if you have questions or need free help getting ID.