Learn More and Register

REGISTRATION INFORMATION ​​

Rules for registration and voting vary by state. The information in this guide is specific to Washington, but you can click here for information on voting in other states.

Who is eligible to vote in Washington state? ​

  • A citizen of the United States.​
  • A legal resident of Washington state.* ​
  • At least 18 years old by Election Day.​
  • Not disqualified from voting due to a court order.
  • Not currently serving a sentence of total confinement under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections for a Washington felony conviction.​
  • Not currently incarcerated for a federal or out-of-state felony conviction.​

*You may register to vote in Washington if you have lived in the state for at least ​30 days and have established a residential address in the state. Please note that Washington state residency requirements for voting are not the same as residency for in-state tuition purposes. You may vote in only one state. If you were previously registered in another state, cancel your registration in that state when you register ​in Washington.  ​

How to register (WA): 

You can register to vote/update your address online or by mail before the October 28 deadline (it takes 2-3 minutes!). Washington state also has in-person voter registration available at voting centers (The HUB Student Engagement Voting Center will be open in early November. Check this page as we get closer for updated hours).​

Address Changes: 

If you are already registered to vote in Washington state, your residential address - -which determines the issues and candidates that appear on your ballot -- can be different than your mailing address. You can receive your elections mail at any valid mailing location you choose: a post office box, personal mailbox, college mailbox or a military or out of state/country address. All elections-related materials, including your ballot, will be sent to the mailing address you provide. ​

Update your mailing address to your dorm if you want your ballot mailed to campus and want to vote for candidates at your home/permanent address and receive your ballot at your on-campus address. Update your residential address if you want to vote for candidates in King County (Seattle) and receive your ballot on campus. Note on registering: It’s important to know the difference between your residential and mailing addresses so that you register in the correct state and receive your ballot at the correct location. Click here for more information on mailing vs. residential addresses. ​

2024 DEADLINES ​​

Pay attention to these deadlines to make sure you're able to vote. 

October 18

 Start of Voting (WA)

October 28

 Last Day to Register Online (WA)

November 5

Last Day to Register In Person (WA)

Same Day Registration!

November 5

 Election Day

WHERE TO VOTE​​

Ballot box

Schmitz Hall
  • Official King County ballot box is open 24 hours a day 
  • Especially useful if you are voting closer to election day because it guarantees your ballot is recieved. 

By mail

Willow Hall desk (north campus) or Lander Hall desk (south campus) 
  • Regional desks will accept outgoing mail and give it to the USPS. 
  • You do not need to put a stamp on your Washington state ballot. 
  • Vote early if voting by mail because mail-in ballots MUST be postmarked by 8 p.m. on Election Day and USPS pickup times vary. 

Student Engagement HUB @UW

Husky Union Building (The HUB), Room 145
4001 E. Stevens Way NE
  • Hours:
    • Saturday, November 2, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    • Monday, November 4, 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
    • Election Day, November 5, 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Cast a ballot, receive a replacement ballot, update your registration, get registered for the first time, or use an assistive device. King County Elections staff will be on hand to answer questions and assist students as needed.  Especially useful if you have not registered before the deadline. 

MAKE A VOTING PLAN

Research Candidates
You will be voting for candidates on the local, state and federal levels. Click to access the UW libraries' non-partisan voter guides. ​

Make Plans
Plan when you will research candidates, learn about important deadlines, talk to friends about their plan to vote, learn where you can drop your-ballot office and remember to VOTE EARLY. ​

Advocate for Yourself
According to the King County election office (Seattle), you should receive your ballot in the mail around October 21. ​
If you have questions or issues reach out to the election office of your county or visit the Student Engagement Voting Center in the HUB.