Here's when to expect election results in WA

Election Day has arrived, and Washington residents are eager to learn when the state's election results will be finalized.

Registered voters in the state are reminded they have until 8 p.m. on Nov. 5 to submit their ballots at any of the more than 540 authorized ballot drop locations. Once the drop box closes at 8 p.m., county election offices will begin to tabulate ballots processed before Election Day.

When to expect election results in Washington?

According to the Washington Secretary of State’s Office, Washingtonians can expect initial election results to be released at around 8:15 – 8:20 p.m. on election night. However, these results will not be finalized until every ballot postmarked by the Nov. 5 deadline is accounted for. 

The election results will not be considered final until every county in Washington has certified them by Nov. 26. The Secretary of State will then certify the overall results by Dec. 5.

"The public can expect meaningful results on election night, but it’s important to remember that ballots arriving on or after Election Day still need to be processed and counted," Assistant Secretary of State Kevin McMahan said. "Even if news outlets ‘call’ races or candidates declare victory, results are unofficial until they are certified by county canvassing boards and the Secretary of State. Our elections process ensures that every valid vote is counted accurately, underscoring the integrity of the election."

MORE NEWS FROM FOX SEATTLE

Here's how many electoral votes each US state gets

Scandals and scoundrels: A look back at Washington's history of governors

VIDEO: Vancouver, WA ballot box explosion caught on camera

How this small WA county has accurately predicted 11 presidential elections

WA voter guide: What to know about the 2024 November general election

How do I vote by mail in Washington? Everything you need to know

Everything to know about WA's 2024 initiatives on the Nov. ballot

To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily Fox Seattle Newsletter.

Download the free FOX Seattle FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.