Elections
King County Elections provides election services for voters, candidates, and jurisdictions throughout King County. This article explains how the elections office manages voter registration, ballots, accessible voting options, election results, ballot tracking, and other election-related services. Readers can learn how to access official systems, prepare information needed for voter services, understand ballot return options, and contact the correct elections office when assistance is needed.
King County Elections Office Services
King County Elections is responsible for administering elections and providing official voting services to registered voters. The office provides information and tools for registering to vote, receiving and returning ballots, viewing election information, tracking ballots, reviewing election results, and accessing voting assistance.
The main King County Elections website provides access to major election services, including getting a ballot, finding accessible voting options, learning about ballot measures and candidates, registering to vote, replacing a ballot or envelope, returning a ballot, tracking ballot status, updating an address, and finding election results.
The elections office also provides translated elections content in several languages, including Chinese, Korean, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese, to help residents access voting information.
Voter Registration Services
Voter registration allows eligible residents to participate in elections. King County Elections provides registration options online, by mail, and in person. Registration information must be completed according to election deadlines to ensure voters can participate in upcoming elections.
The voter registration page explains available registration methods and required information. Residents can register online 24 hours a day through the Washington Secretary of State’s website. Online registration must be completed at least 8 days before the next election.
To register online, voters need one of the following:
A current Washington State driver license
A current Washington State ID card
The last four digits of a Social Security number
Residents who do not have the required identification information for online registration can register by mail or in person.
Mail Registration Requirements
Residents can download and print a voter registration form from the Secretary of State. Completed forms must be received by King County Elections at least 8 days before the next election. Mailing early helps ensure the registration arrives before the deadline.
Mail registration forms should be sent to King County Elections at the Renton elections office address provided below.
In-Person Registration
Residents can register to vote in person at the King County Elections Office in Renton. Registration is also available at Vote Centers or community events when available. Voters may also update registration information, including address changes, through available elections services.
Getting and Receiving Ballots
Registered voters receive ballots by mail. King County Elections mails ballots to registered voters 20 days before Election Day. Overseas and military service voters receive ballots 45 days before Election Day.
The ballot information page provides details about receiving ballots, accessible voting options, replacement ballots, and special circumstances for voters who are away from home.
Ballots for Away Voters
Voters who will not be available to receive or return a regular mailed ballot can request options for receiving a ballot while away. King County Elections provides ballot services for voters who are out of town, including options involving mail delivery and online ballot access when supported by election procedures.
Ballot Return Options
After completing a ballot, voters must return it through an approved method. King County Elections provides three return options: by mail, through an official ballot drop box, or at a Vote Center.
The ballot return information page explains each option and the requirements for returning a ballot.
Returning by Mail
Voters can return ballots through the U.S. Postal Service. No stamp is required. The ballot must be postmarked by Election Day. USPS recommends mailing ballots at least one week before Election Day.
Ballot Drop Boxes
Official ballot drop boxes allow voters to return ballots without postage. Ballots must be returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Voters should plan ahead to avoid possible lines or delays.
Vote Center Services
Vote Centers provide in-person assistance for voters who need help completing ballots or accessing voting services. Trained staff and specialized equipment are available to help voters with disabilities cast a private and independent ballot.
Accessible Voting Options
King County Elections provides accessible voting services for registered voters who need assistance. These options are designed to help voters with disabilities participate independently.
The accessible voting information page explains available tools and services, including online ballot marking and accessible voting units at Vote Centers.
Accessible Ballot Tools
Any registered voter can use the online ballot marking site. The service is designed to assist voters who are blind or have low vision in preparing a private ballot.
Vote Centers provide accessible voting units with features such as audio support, large-print ballots, and other assistive tools. Elections staff are available to provide assistance.
Ballot Tracking and Voter Information
Voters can check personal election information through the My Voter Information system. This online service allows voters to view voter registration information, see what is on their ballot, and track ballot status.
To access the system, voters must enter a combination of three required fields:
First name matching voter registration records
Last name matching voter registration records
Date of birth
House or building number
The system updates voter information daily at midnight. Ballot tracking status updates every hour between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Election Information and Results
King County Elections provides current and historical election information, including election dates, past elections, recount information, recalls, election maps, and election results.
Voters can review official results through the election results page. Results are organized by election year and include available election information, ballot return statistics, and past election records.
Current Election Details
The elections website provides information about current and upcoming elections, including candidates, ballot measures, sample ballots, and voters’ pamphlets. Reviewing these materials helps voters understand what will appear on their ballot before voting.
Past Election Records
Archived election information is available for previous elections. Records may include results, ballot measures, candidates, ballot return statistics, sample ballots, and voters’ pamphlets.
Candidate and Jurisdiction Services
King County Elections also provides services related to candidates and jurisdictions. Candidates can access election filing information, candidate resources, voters’ pamphlet filing information, and notices related to running for office.
The candidate services page provides information about online filing, paper forms, candidate manuals, and related election resources.
Jurisdictions submitting ordinances or resolutions can contact election services for assistance with election-related submissions.
Election Maps and Data Services
King County Elections provides election maps and statistical information for residents, jurisdictions, and researchers. Available data includes ballot return statistics, candidate filing statistics, historical election data, signature challenge data, voter turnout information, and registration maps.
Election maps include precinct maps, congressional district maps, county council district maps, legislative district maps, school district maps, and other election-related boundaries.
Residents requesting election data can use the county’s public records request process through the elections office.
Common Election Service Issues
Many election service problems can be avoided by reviewing registration information, confirming deadlines, and using official King County Elections systems.
Complete voter registration changes before registration deadlines.
Confirm personal information matches voter registration records when accessing online systems.
Return ballots using approved methods and allow enough time before Election Day.
Contact King County Elections if there is a problem with ballot signatures, registration information, or voting access.
Contact King County Elections
King County Elections provides assistance through email, phone, and in-person services. General election questions, voter registration questions, and ballot assistance requests can be directed to the elections office.
Relevant Elections Offices
King County Elections
919 Southwest Grady Way, Suite 100
Renton, WA 98057
Phone: 206-296-VOTE (8683)
Elections FAQs
How can I check what will appear on my ballot?
Voters can review official ballot information before voting through the King County Elections website. The What's on the ballot page provides information about candidates, ballot measures, and other items included in current elections. Reviewing this information helps voters understand the choices they will see before completing their ballot.
Where can I find previous King County election information?
King County Elections provides archived election records for voters who need to review earlier elections. The past elections page includes historical election details, including results, ballot measures, candidates, sample ballots, voters’ pamphlets, and ballot return statistics from previous elections.
How do I update my voter registration information after moving?
Voters who move or need to update registration details can use King County Elections voter registration services. Address changes and other registration updates should be completed before election deadlines to ensure voter information is current for upcoming elections. Registration updates can be completed online, by mail, or in person through official election services.
How can I receive election updates and ballot notifications?
King County Elections provides ballot alerts that allow voters to receive notifications when their ballot is sent, received, and counted. Voters can also use My Voter Information to review voter details and check ballot tracking status using required personal information.
What assistance is available for voters who need accessible voting options?
King County Elections offers accessible voting services for registered voters who need additional support. The accessible voting options page explains available tools, including online ballot marking and accessible voting units at Vote Centers. These services help voters with disabilities complete their ballots privately and independently.