Future Voter Program
In Washington state, 16- and 17-year-olds can sign up as Future Voters and be automatically registered to vote when they become eligible. A voter who turns 18 between the August Primary and the November General Election can vote in the Primary. (RCW 29A.08.170)
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How do I qualify as a Future Voter?
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- Be at least 16 years old
- A U.S. citizen
- A Washington resident
- How do I sign up as a Future Voter?
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- Online at VoteWA.gov using your Washington driver's license, permit, ID or Social Security number.
- Mail in a paper form (PDF).
- In person at your county elections office or when you get your Washington driver's license, permit, or ID at the Department of Licensing.
- What if I don't have a driver's license?
- Use the last four (4) digits of your Social Security number to sign up using a paper form (PDF) or at VoteWA.gov.
- When can I vote?
- If you are a 17-year-old who will be 18 by the November General Election, you will receive a ballot in the mail to vote in the Primary.
- When can I sign a petition for a ballot initiative or referendum?
- You’ll be able to sign petitions after your 18th birthday!
- What if I turn 18 right before an election?
- If your address has not changed, you can expect to receive a mailed ballot approximately two weeks before Election Day. Contact your county elections office for assistance and be ready to vote!
A 17-year-old who will be 18 by the November General Election can vote in the Primary.
- What if I move, go away to college, leave the country, or join the military?
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We can mail your ballot anywhere in the world, but your residential address must remain in Washington. You may not vote in more than one place.
If you move within Washington, submit a new registration form to update your information.
- Away at college — submit a new registration form with your updated mailing address.
- Overseas — submit a new registration form with your updated mailing address and mark Overseas Status.
- Military — submit a new registration form with your updated mailing address and mark "Military Status".
- What if I have a conviction in juvenile court?
- You do not lose the right to vote for a misdemeanor conviction or a conviction in juvenile court.
For more information about voting after a felony conviction, see Felony Convictions and Voting Rights.
- Is my information private?
- Yes, your information is protected while underage. Once you are eligible to vote you become registered and voter registration info is public.
- What if I'm in the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP)?
- Call ACP at 360-753-2972 and they will send you a form and help you stay safe.
If you are in the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP), signing up to vote will be different for you. You can be a Protected Records Voter (PRV) and have your address information kept out of the VoteWA database.
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