Voting begins in all Washington counties for 2023 general election

County elections statewide have distributed ballots for the state’s 4.8 million registered voters to participate in the 2023 general election.

Ballots must be returned to a county drop box or voting center by 8 p.m. Nov. 7, or postmarked by Nov. 7 if mailed in, to be accepted. All 39 counties have races on the ballot in this election, with 3,095 offices up for election and 128 local measures to be decided.

Secretary of State Steve Hobbs encourages all voters to use the state’s comprehensive system of trustworthy resources to participate in this election. State and county elections officials provide voters’ pamphlets with election information to every registered voter’s home address. Voters can vote independently and securely using the 590 official drop boxes and voting centers administered by county governments. All voters can use VoteWA.gov to check their ballot status and sign up for cellphone text updates as their ballots are processed.

“We work hard to ensure your vote is safe and secure before, during, and after every election,” Hobbs said. “Every voter in Washington can be confident that when they use that county ballot box or the mail to submit their ballot on time, their voice will be heard.”

For the first time, the statewide Voters’ Pamphlet includes expanded resources voters can use to learn more about the state’s budget and fiscal decisions by internet or phone. Statewide Voters’ Pamphlets are available in English, Spanish, and audio-only versions at the Secretary of State’s website, which also has King County editions available in Chinese and Vietnamese.

Voters who have not yet registered can still participate in the Nov. 7 General Election. Online registration via VoteWA.gov or registration forms submitted by mail must be received by Oct. 30. In-person registration at county elections offices is also available until voting closes at 8 p.m. Nov. 7.

“This election is an opportunity to make important local decisions in every county across the state,” Hobbs said. “Washington’s elections are fair and transparent, and our priority is to continue providing trustworthy and convenient access to empower voters in every community.”

Washington’s Office of the Secretary of State oversees a number of areas within state government, including managing state elections, registering corporations and charities, and governing the use of the state flag and state seal. The office also manages the State Archives and the State Library, documents extraordinary stories in Washington’s history through Legacy Washington, oversees the Combined Fund Drive for charitable giving by state employees, and administers the state’s Address Confidentiality Program to help protect survivors of crime.