National Voter Registration Day: Here's what to know
SEATTLE - Election Day is right around the corner, where eligible U.S. citizens can exercise their right to vote in the midterms.
Sept. 15 marks National Voter Registration Day, reminding and encouraging eligible voters to check their registration status and sign up for ballot status updates.
Secretary of State Steve Hobbs and the Office of the Secretary of State shined light on the national day Tuesday, laying out how voters can check their status and registration information.
Keep reading to check how to register, and get a refresher on eligibility requirements.
How to check voter registration information
If a voter's address or name has changed since the last election, updating voter registration information helps county elections offices ensure accuracy.
What you can do:
Voters can register or update their information in a few different ways:
- Online at VoteWA.gov
- In person at a county elections office
- Mailing a completed voter registration form to a county elections office
The Office of the Secretary of State reminded voters that online and mailed registrations must be received by Mon. Oct. 26 ahead of the Nov. 3 Election Day.
In the circumstances that registrations are completed after the Oct. 26 deadline, the registration or updating of information can be completed in-person at a county elections office or voting center until 8 p.m. on Election Day.
What they're saying:
"Whether you’re registering for the first time or have been voting for years, today is a great reminder to take a few minutes and check your registration, make sure your information is current, and be ready to participate in the midterms," Hobbs said.
How is voter eligibility determined?
According to the Secretary of State's office, people can register to vote in WA if they meet these requirements:
- A U.S. citizen
- WA state resident
- 18-years-old or older; 16-year-olds can sign up as a future voter through the state.
- Do not have a court-ordered disqualification from voting.
- Are not serving a sentence of total confinement in prison for a WA felony conviction under department of corrections jurisdiction.
- Are not currently incarcerated for a federal or out-of-state felony conviction.
According to the Secretary of State's website, "If you were convicted of a felony in Washington, another state, or in federal court, your right to vote will be restored immediately upon release from prison. You must register again to receive a ballot."
The Source: Information in this story came from the Secretary of State's Office and an interview with the SOS on Good Day Seattle.
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