Voter registration is a critical way to support Washington’s environment . We know that when more people vote, our environment and communities win. 20% of Washingtonians who are eligible to vote are not registered, especially among communities of color, young people, and people historically disenfranchised from the voting system. 

With the current COVID-19 pandemic limiting our ability to register people to vote in person, it’s even more important that we use the online tools at our disposal to disseminate voter information. Washington state is fortunate enough to have strong voting laws that allow people to register and update voter information online, vote by mail, and update voter registration close to the deadline to vote.

Use this form to register to vote.
If you are 16 or 17 years old, you can also pre-register using this form.

Upcoming dates and deadlines to know:

July 15: Start of 18-day August Primary Election voting period

July 25: Last day to register, update, or change voter information online or by mail for the August Primary Election

August 2: Last day to register to vote in person for Primary

August 2: Primary Election day: Last day to deposit ballot in a dropbox

September 20: National Voter Registration Day

October 21: November General Election 18-day voting period begins

October 31: Last day to register, update, or change voter information online or by mail for the November General Election

November 8: Last day to register to vote in person, 2022 General Election

How to register others to vote

Step 1:  Know the best practices and laws for registering voters

  • Before asking someone if they are registered to vote, know the laws around voter eligibility from the Secretary of State.
  • Remember that Washington state has new voting laws: 16 and 17 year old people can now pre-register to vote and 17 year old people can vote in the primary election if they will be 18 by the General Election!
  • Remember many people may think they are not eligible to vote who actually can register and vote for many reasons including:
    • Someone experiencing houselessness or housing instability – yes, you can still register and vote. You do not need a home or permanent address to vote. You can share this guide from the Coalition on Homelessness. 
    • Someone who has been convincted of a felony – yes, your right to vote is automatically restored once you are no longer in prison or community custody but will have to re-register to vote with the Secretary of State.
  • Best Practices for voter registration
    • Start with asking if they need to update their voter registration – this is a more effective opener than asking someone to register to vote
    • Connect with your community on values – ask about what issues are important to them or share why it’s important to to exercise your right to vote
    • Stay away from any language that shames people for not being registered to vote, not understanding the voting laws, or not knowing about upcoming elections
    • Be prepared to share more resources and support 

Step 2: Once you are comfortable with the voter registration tips, laws, and deadlines, here is how you can help register voters.

  • Triple the Vote: Call, text, or reach out to 3 people to know to ask if they are registered to vote and commit to reminding them to get their ballot counted. 
    • Fill out this Pledge to Vote form yourself and we will make sure you are reminded to reach out to your 3 person network
    • Ask each of your 3 people to also pledge to vote and pledge to reach out to 3 more people in their network
  • Share a graphic on social media – try tagging people you think need this reminder to ensure they see it 
  • Reach out directly to those in your community who are facing specific barriers to register and voting, including young people who can pre-register or register for the first time, people facing housing instability, people who have moved recently, and others who have been historically disenfranchised from our voting system