RCW 29A.08.140
Voter registration deadlines.
(1) In order to vote in any primary, special election, or general election, a person who is not registered to vote in Washington must:
(a) Submit a registration application that is received by an election official no later than eight days before the day of the primary, special election, or general election. For purposes of this subsection (1)(a), "received" means: (i) Being physically received by an election official by the close of business of the required deadline; or (ii) for applications received online or electronically, by midnight, of the required deadline; or
(b) Register in person at a county auditor's office, the division of elections if in a separate location from the county auditor's office, a voting center, a student engagement hub, or other location designated by the county auditor no later than 8:00 p.m. on the day of the primary, special election if the county is conducting an election, or general election.
(2)(a) In order to change a residence address for voting in any primary, special election, or general election, a person who is already registered to vote in Washington may update his or her registration by:
(i) Submitting an address change using a registration application or making notification via any non-in-person method that is received by election officials no later than eight days before the day of the primary, special election, or general election; or
(ii) Appearing in person, at a county auditor's office, the division of elections if in a separate location from the county auditor's office, a voting center, or other location designated by the county auditor, no later than 8:00 p.m. on the day of the primary, special election if the county is conducting an election, or general election to be in effect for that primary, special election if the county is conducting an election, or general election.
(b) A registered voter who fails to update his or her residential address by this deadline may vote according to his or her previous registration address.
(3) To register or update a voting address in person at a county auditor's office, a voting center, or other location designated by the county auditor, a person must appear in person at a county auditor's office, a voting center, or other location designated by the county auditor at a time when the facility is open and complete the voter registration application by providing the information required by RCW 29A.08.010.
[ 2022 c 69 § 2; 2020 c 208 § 22; 2019 c 391 § 4; 2018 c 112 § 1; 2011 c 10 § 15; 2009 c 369 § 15; 2006 c 97 § 1; 2004 c 267 § 112; 2003 c 111 § 212. Prior: 1993 c 383 § 2; 1980 c 3 § 4; 1974 ex.s. c 127 § 4; 1971 ex.s. c 202 § 20; 1965 c 9 § 29.07.160; prior: 1947 c 68 § 2; 1933 c 1 § 9; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5114-9. Formerly RCW 29.07.160.]
NOTES:
Short title—Findings—2020 c 208: See notes following RCW 29A.08.210.
Effective date—2018 c 112 §§ 1-4: "Sections 1 through 4 of this act take effect June 30, 2019." [ 2018 c 112 § 6.]
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.
Structure Revised Code of Washington
Chapter 29A.08 - Voters and Registration.
29A.08.010 - Minimum information required for voter registration.
29A.08.020 - Registration date.
29A.08.030 - Notices, various.
29A.08.105 - Official list, secretary of state—County auditor.
29A.08.107 - Applicant information for registration—Provisional registration—Exception.
29A.08.110 - Auditor's procedure.
29A.08.112 - Voters without traditional residential addresses.
29A.08.115 - Registration by other than auditor or secretary of state.
29A.08.120 - Registration by mail.
29A.08.123 - Registration electronically.
29A.08.125 - Database of voter registration records.
29A.08.130 - Count of registered voters—Inactive voters.
29A.08.135 - Updating information.
29A.08.140 - Voter registration deadlines.
29A.08.150 - Expense of registration.
29A.08.161 - No link between voter and ballot choice—Exception.
29A.08.166 - Party affiliation not required.
29A.08.170 - Registration at age sixteen and seventeen.
29A.08.172 - Registration at age sixteen and seventeen—Application by mail.
29A.08.174 - Registration at age sixteen and seventeen—Application electronically.
29A.08.210 - Application—Contents.
29A.08.220 - Application—Format.
29A.08.230 - Oath of applicant.
29A.08.260 - Production, supply, and distribution.
29A.08.270 - Information in foreign languages.
29A.08.310 - Voter registration in state offices, facilities, colleges.
29A.08.320 - Registration or transfer at designated agencies—Form and application.
29A.08.330 - Registration at designated agencies—Procedures.
29A.08.350 - Duties of department of licensing, secretary of state.
29A.08.355 - Automatic registration—Enhanced driver's licenses and identicards.
29A.08.362 - Automatic registration—Health benefit exchange.
29A.08.365 - Automatic voter registration—Other agencies.
29A.08.370 - Automatic registration—Registration of person ineligible to vote.
29A.08.375 - Automatic registration—Rule-making authority.
29A.08.410 - Address change within county—Deadlines.
29A.08.420 - Transfer to another county.
29A.08.440 - Voter name change.
29A.08.520 - Felony conviction—Restoration of voting rights.
29A.08.540 - Records preservation.
29A.08.610 - Dual registration or voting detection.
29A.08.615 - "Active," "inactive" registered voters—"Pending" registrations.
29A.08.625 - Voting by inactive or canceled voters.
29A.08.630 - Return of inactive voter to active status—Cancellation of registration.
29A.08.635 - Confirmation notices—Form, contents.
29A.08.640 - Confirmation notice—Response, auditor's action.
29A.08.710 - Originals and automated files—Public disclosure.
29A.08.740 - Violations of restricted use of registered voter data—Penalties—Liabilities.
29A.08.760 - Computer file—Duplicate copy—Restrictions and penalties.
29A.08.770 - Records concerning accuracy and currency of voters lists.
29A.08.775 - Use and maintenance of statewide list.
29A.08.820 - Times for filing challenges—Hearings—Treatment of challenged ballots.