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Washington elections in 2026

This page lists Washington statewide election dates, voter registration deadlines, absentee and early voting timelines, poll hours, and official election resources.

At a glance​

Register to vote in Washington​

Start with the official Washington voter registration page. The section below highlights registration methods and the deadlines tied to the next statewide election on this page.

Washington voters may register online, by mail, or in person. Registration deadlines may vary by election type or method where noted. Same-day registration may also be available where noted.

Upcoming registration deadlines​

  • July 27, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Your Registration by mail must be received 8 days before Election Day.
  • July 27, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: Online registration deadline is 8 days before Election Day.
  • August 4, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: Eligible persons may register to vote on any day up to and including the day of the election. Registration is available during all normal business hours of your town or city clerk's office on days preceding the election and during polling hours on Election Day.
  • August 4, 2026 — Election Day Voter Registration Deadline: Eligible persons may register to vote on any day up to and including the day of the election. Registration is available during all normal business hours of your town or city clerk's office on days preceding the election and during polling hours on Election Day. RCW 29A. 08. 140.

Online​

Online registration deadline is 8 days before Election Day

Eligibility or requirements

  • Must meet state voter registration eligibility requirements.

Deadlines

By Mail​

Your Registration by mail must be received 8 days before Election Day

Deadlines

In Person​

Eligible persons may register to vote on any day up to and including the day of the election. Registration is available during all normal business hours of your town or city clerk's office on days preceding the election and during polling hours on Election Day.

Deadlines

Special registration options​

Same Day Registration: Available

Eligible persons may register to vote on any day up to and including the day of the election. Registration is available during all normal business hours of your town or city clerk's office on days preceding the election and during polling hours on Election Day. RCW 29A. 08. 140

Military Overseas: Available

Military and overseas citizens are exempt from registration deadlines and should contact their county elections department for assistance.

Additional registration notes​

Other Registration Option

The National Mail Voter Registration Form may also be available where accepted.

Registration Status

Consider yourself registered when- and only when- you receive an acknowledgment from your county clerk. Never assume you are registered to vote until you have received this acknowledgment. Call your county clerk and inquire about the status of your application. Check your voter registration status online by visiting this site

Absentee and early voting in Washington​

These absentee and early voting deadlines are tied to the next statewide election listed on this page. Local procedures can vary, so confirm final details with your local election office.

  • July 17, 2026 — All-Mail voting begins: Vote centers must be open 18 days before an election.
  • July 27, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Your Registration by mail must be received 8 days before Election Day.
  • August 4, 2026 — All-Mail voting ends: Early voting ends at 8 p. m on Election Day.

Voter ID requirements in Washington​

Review the current voter ID rules before you vote: Washington voter ID requirements.

Washington election dates for 2026​

Primary Election — August 4, 2026​

State and Federal primaries are held on the first Tuesday in August preceding the November general election to select the nominees of the major political parties for partisan offices, except candidates for President and Vice President of the United States. WA ST 29A. 04. 311

Important dates​

  • July 17, 2026 — All-Mail voting begins: Vote centers must be open 18 days before an election.
  • July 27, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Your Registration by mail must be received 8 days before Election Day.
  • July 27, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: Online registration deadline is 8 days before Election Day.
  • August 4, 2026 — All-Mail voting ends: Early voting ends at 8 p. m on Election Day.
  • August 4, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: Eligible persons may register to vote on any day up to and including the day of the election. Registration is available during all normal business hours of your town or city clerk's office on days preceding the election and during polling hours on Election Day.
  • August 4, 2026 — Election Day Voter Registration Deadline: Eligible persons may register to vote on any day up to and including the day of the election. Registration is available during all normal business hours of your town or city clerk's office on days preceding the election and during polling hours on Election Day. RCW 29A. 08. 140.

General Election — November 3, 2026​

November General election is held the Tuesday after the first Monday of November

Important dates​

  • October 16, 2026 — All-Mail voting begins: Vote centers must be open 18 days before an election.
  • October 26, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Your Registration by mail must be received 8 days before Election Day.
  • October 26, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: Online registration deadline is 8 days before Election Day.
  • November 3, 2026 — All-Mail voting ends: Early voting ends at 8 p. m on Election Day.
  • November 3, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: Eligible persons may register to vote on any day up to and including the day of the election. Registration is available during all normal business hours of your town or city clerk's office on days preceding the election and during polling hours on Election Day.
  • November 3, 2026 — Election Day Voter Registration Deadline: Eligible persons may register to vote on any day up to and including the day of the election. Registration is available during all normal business hours of your town or city clerk's office on days preceding the election and during polling hours on Election Day. RCW 29A. 08. 140.

Official Washington election resources​

Use these official and state-specific resources to confirm dates, registration rules, absentee voting requirements, voter ID rules, and local procedures.

What may vary locally​

Election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, and voting hours apply to statewide elections in most cases. However, Check with your Town Clerk for the hours of voting, and voter registration deadlines as they vary by town. Please be advised that these dates are updated regularly but are subject to scheduling changes at the local level.