The right to vote is the foundation of a healthy democracy, and a critical way to make sure eligible voters can make their voice heard for a healthy, livable, & equitable future. Democracy begins at the state & local level.
The vast majority of Americans support bold climate action—but w/o protecting the freedom to vote at the state & local levels, it’s hard to make this vision a reality. We must keep fighting to keep elections fair and accessible.
Q: When and where can I find election results?
A: Results can be found at that website (vote.wa.gov) at 8PM on November 8th. Results are updated each day following Election Day when a county reports new tabulation results. Keep in mind the results posted before certification are unofficial.
Q: Will we know the final results of the election on Election Day?
A: Because Washington uses mail-in-ballots that are postmarked until November 8th, there are additional ballots to be counted throughout the week. Expect to not know the final results for several days after the election. Counting votes accurately takes time. The results on Election Night change as votes get counted.
Q: Are election results final on Tuesday, November 8?
No. The count of votes on election day is only a partial count of all the votes to be tabulated. Mailed absentee ballots from active-duty military, students, and other residents that are postmarked by November 8th are still counted as they are received in the days following Election Day, as well as those ballots submitted in dropboxes/or postmarked by 8pm on Tuesday. General Election results are certified by counties 21 days after the election, and by the Secretary of State after 30 days after the election.
Q: Is voter fraud common?
A: Voter fraud is exceedingly rare and voting by mail or drop box is safe and secure, according to AP, Reuters and the Cybersecuirty & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). The benefit of Washington’s paper ballots is that they can be audited and recounted as many times as necessary. They are a durable, tamper-evident hard copy of a voter’s choices. After a ballot is received, the signature is compared to the signature on the voter registration file and then scanned for tabulation. Election ballot scanners are physically secured in locked rooms and are not connected to any network or internet.
Q: How long has Washington State had Vote-by-Mail (VBM) elections?
A: Washington was a pioneer of VBM, first rolling it out in 1983 and then switched fully to a statewide VBM system in 2011. Eligible voters receive ballots in their mail up to 18 days before the election.
Q: What is voter intimidation?
A: The Federal Government says no person … shall intimidate, threaten, coerce … any other person for the purpose of interfering with the right of [that] person to vote or to vote as he may choose.” If someone is attempting to interfere with yours or anyone’s right to vote or access a ballot box please call the Election Protection Hotline: 1-866-OUR-VOTE or 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (en Español)
Learn more about the Vote by Mail and election process here: Securing Your Vote – Elections & Voting – WA Secretary of State
