Washington Election Center

Washington absentee ballots

• Absentee ballot application deadlines

  • In Person:
  • By Mail: No specific deadline. We recommend applying at least 7 days before Election Day.
  • Online:

• Voted absentee ballots are due

  Postmarked by Election Day and received 5 days after Election Day.

• Absentee ballot rules

  All Washington elections are held by mail-in ballot. You may apply for an absentee ballot if you need your ballot mailed someplace other than your usual mailing address.

• How to get an absentee ballot in Washington

  1. Use our Absentee Ballot Tool to prepare your application.
  2. Sign and date the form. This is very important!
  3. Return your completed application to your Local Election Office as soon as possible. We'll provide the mailing address for you.
  4. All Local Election Offices will accept mailed or hand-delivered forms. If it's close to the deadline, call and see if your Local Election Office will let you fax or email the application.
  5. Make sure your application is received by the deadline. Your application must actually arrive by this time -- simply being postmarked by the deadline is insufficient.
  6. Please contact your Local Election Office if you have any further questions about the exact process.

• Once you get your absentee ballot in Washington

  1. Once you receive the ballot, carefully read and follow the instructions.
  2. Sign and date where indicated.
  3. Mail your voted ballot back to the address indicated on the return envelope.
  4. Your voted ballot must arrive by the deadline or it will not be counted.