Changes in state election laws take effect

New conveniences and increased accessibility to voting in Washington are now law, according to the Pierce County Auditor’s office. The State Legislature passed a number of bills during the 2018 and 2019 sessions that changed significant dates and deadlines for registration and voting. Those changes include:

Pre-paid postage

Every ballot will now come with a pre-paid ballot-return envelope so voters will no longer have to search for a stamp. Every mailbox is now a drop box, though auditors recommend mailing ballots by the Friday preceding an election day to ensure it gets postmarked in time.

Online registration

The 2019 Primary Election is Tuesday, Aug. 6. If residents are eligible to vote but are not yet registered, they have until Monday, July 29, to register online or by mail. They’ll also have until Monday, Oct. 28, to register online for the country’s General Election, held on Nov. 5.

After those dates, eligible residents will have to register in person at their county elections office. Online registration can be completed and more information can be obtained by visiting www.VoteWA.gov.

Same-day registration

If potential voters can’t get registered online or by mail before the eight-day deadline, they can visit their county elections office in person before 8 p.m. on Aug. 6 to vote in the Primary, and Nov. 5 to vote in the General Election.

Future Voters

Residents of Washington state that are 16- and 17-year-old can now have the opportunity to enroll in the Future Voter program to automatically be registered to vote on their 18th birthday. Future Voters who turn 18 on or before Tuesday, Aug. 6, can vote in the 2019 Primary, while those who turn 18 on or before Tuesday, Nov. 5, can vote in this year’s General Election.