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2026 Elections
How to Vote in Washington: 2026 Deadlines, Early Voting & Poll Hours
Everything you need to vote in Washington for the November 3, 2026 general election — when to register, when early voting opens, how to vote by mail, and when polls close.
Rules as of September 17, 2026 · verify at Washington's official election site
Election Day
November 3, 2026
Quick Answer
- Register By
- ≈ Oct 26, 2026 (8 days before Election Day for online and mail registration)
- Early Voting
- Opens ≈ Oct 16, 2026
- Mail Ballot Request By
- Not needed — every voter is mailed a ballot automatically
- Polls Close
- 8 p.m. PT
- Election Day
- November 3, 2026
Build your Washington voting plan
Choose how you plan to vote and we'll narrow the checklist below to the steps and dates that apply to you.
- 1
Register to vote online
8 days before Election Day for online and mail registration In-person registration stays open through 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Official source →Oct 26, 2026
- 2
Register to vote by mail
8 days before Election Day for online and mail registration In-person registration stays open through 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Official source →Oct 26, 2026
- 3
Nov 3, 2026
- 4
Early voting opens
18 days before Election Day Every active voter is mailed a ballot.
Official source →≈ Oct 16, 2026
approximate
- 5
See rule
- 6
Nov 3, 2026
What's on Your Washington Ballot
Every U.S. House seat is up for election every two years. Whether a U.S. Senate seat is also on the ballot depends on the state.
U.S. House of Representatives
All of Washington's U.S. House seats are on the 2026 ballot. View Washington's current delegation →
U.S. Senate
Not this cycleWashington has no U.S. Senate race in 2026. Senate seats rotate on a six-year cycle across three classes. Learn how Senate classes work →
Find your Washington representative and senators
Enter your address to see exactly who represents you before you vote.
Voter Registration in Washington
To vote in the November 3, 2026 general election, register by ≈ October 26, 2026 — 8 days before Election Day for online and mail registration.
Washington also allows same-day registration on Election Day itself.
In-person registration stays open through 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Dates marked ≈ are computed from state statute and can shift with county practice. Confirm your exact deadline and check your registration status at Washington's official site.
Early Voting in Washington
Early voting opens ≈ October 16, 2026 — 18 days before Election Day. It runs through 8 p.m. Election Day.
Washington is an all-mail state: every active registered voter is automatically mailed a ballot, and in-person early voting sites are an alternative to mailing it back.
Every active voter is mailed a ballot.
Confirm exact locations and hours — which vary by county — at Washington's official election site.
Voting by Mail in Washington
Every active registered voter in Washington is automatically mailed a ballot — no request needed.
Return rule: Postmarked on or before Election Day; must be received no later than the day before certification (21 days after the election). Drop-boxed ballots must arrive by 8 p.m. Election Day.
Every active voter is mailed a ballot automatically.
Details and request forms are at Washington's official election site.
Voter ID Requirements in Washington
A non-photo document showing name and address (such as a utility bill or bank statement) is accepted alongside or instead of a photo ID.
Spot-checked 2026-09-17: most Washington voters vote by mail with signature verification and no ID requirement at all; a voter at an in-person voting center must sign a declaration or show ID, and accepted forms include non-photo student ID cards.
See the full list of accepted ID at Washington's official election site.
Poll Hours in Washington
Polls are open until 8 p.m. PT on November 3, 2026.
See how Washington's closing time compares nationwide on the full poll closing times by state page, or confirm your local hours at Washington's official election site.
Live on Congress Countdown
Live countdown to Election Day — and every date in between
Registration deadlines, early voting, and the full 2026 election calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the deadline to register to vote in Washington?
Online, the deadline is approximately October 26, 2026 (8 days before Election Day for online and mail registration). Always confirm the exact date at https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/voters/.
Can I vote early in person in Washington?
Washington mails every active registered voter a ballot automatically, so most voters don't need a separate early-voting trip. In-person options still exist — see the early voting section below.
Do I need ID to vote in Washington?
A non-photo document showing name and address (such as a utility bill or bank statement) is accepted alongside or instead of a photo ID.
When do polls close in Washington?
Polls close 8 p.m. PT on November 3, 2026.
How do I vote by mail in Washington?
Washington automatically mails a ballot to every active registered voter. Postmarked on or before Election Day; must be received no later than the day before certification (21 days after the election). Drop-boxed ballots must arrive by 8 p.m. Election Day.
What if I miss Washington's registration deadline?
Washington offers same-day registration on Election Day itself, so missing the standard deadline does not cost you your vote — bring proof of residence.