Washington State Research | WA Secretary of State

Washington State Research | WA Secretary of State Washington State Library closure Effective July 1, 2025, the Washington State Library in Tumwater is closed to the public due to a loss of funding. Limited access will be available by appointment only on Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. To request an appointment, please email [email protected] Washington State Research OSOS Home Washington State Library Research & Collections Washington State Research Washington State Library Collections Collection Bibliographies Maps Oral Histories Travel & Tourism Statistics Elections & Voting Cities & Counties State Government Governors Laws Legislature Courts Washington History Washington State Facts & Symbols State Government Access Washington The official State Government website provides access to resources by topic, agency or service provided. Digital Equity Co-Creation Toolkit - A tool for doing community-centered digital equity research. Funded by the Legislature, delivered June 2025. Legislative Report & Recommendations Toolkit Workbooks Toolkit Card Deck Templates Licensed Professions in Washington A list of types licenses issued in Washington state along with which department issues the license. Office of Financial Management Get budget information, population reports, find research and data by subject, and state government performance assessment tools. State Agency, Commission & Organization Directory The Washington Channel The YouTube channel of the Washington State government, linking you to videos from state agencies, departments, and elected officials. Washington State Arts Commission Locate grants, fellowships and apprenticeships, learn about folk and community arts, and access arts in education programs. Washington State Department of Licensing Find information for getting your drivers license or ID card, locate vehicle registration information, or learn about professional license requirements within the state. State Government Publications Published by state agencies, state publications provide current and historical information about government and the state of Washington. Governors Current Governor of Washington Executive Orders A partial archive of orders issued by Washington's governors. Governors of Washington, Territorial and State Complete digital copy of the book by Edmond Meany, written in 1915. National Governors Association Biographies of current, and former governors. Territorial Governors Portraits, 1853-1889 This collection consists of photographic portraits and drawings of the governors of Washington Territory. Washington Governor's Mansion - A History Washington Territorial and State Governors Chronological list of governors, including party affiliation, dates of birth, death, and terms. Washington Territorial and State Governors - Images This is a searchable database of digital images and biographical information about past governors of the State of Washington. Laws Bill / RCW Cross Reference Tables Bill Information Includes the history of bills and all relevant documents, for the previous 3 legislative sessions. For sessions going back to 1991, change biennium in the individual detailed legislative reports Alphabetical and Chronological Index to the laws, resolutions, and memorials passed by the Washington Territorial Legislature from 1854-1887. Laws of Washington 1854 - 1861-2 Laws of Washington 1889-1890 Revised Code of Washington (RCW) current Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Archive Sessions Laws of Washington State 1854 - present Washington Administrative Code (WAC) current Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Archive, 1977 - present Washington City Codes Washington County Codes Washington State Constitution View images of the original state constitution. Washington State Register Washington State Law Library Legislature Find Your Legislator Search for your legislative district, statewide and congressional district maps, and information about your legislators using your home address. The fourteenth session : a brief history of the men...in the [state] legislature of 1915 A digital copy of the 1915 book by Alfred T Renfro. (includes photographs) History of the State Legislature The history of the legislature; includes oral histories, photographs & documents. House of Representatives Group Photos This collection on the Washington State Digital Archives, consists of group photos of members of the House of Representatives, 1883-1981. Legislative Building Photograph Collection, 1928-1965 A collection of photographs, from the Washington State Archives, of the original construction and early history of the Legislative Building. Members of the Legislature Listed by district, from 1889 - 2019 Members of the Territorial Assembly Listed by Session, from 1854-1887 Rosters Members of the current State House and Senate, including a pictorial guide to new members, and committee membership and administrative staff. State Legislature Home Page State Senate Group Photos, 1881-1993 Women in the Washington State Legislature A searchable database containing information on women who have served in the Washington State Legislature. Celebrating 100 Years of Women in the Legislature Biographies of women who have served in the Washington State Legislature arranged chronologically, 1913-2013. Women Lawmakers - Political Pioneers Biographies of women who served in the Washington State Legislature through 1982. Black Legislators of Washington State Photographs and brief biographies of the Black Washingtonians who have served in the Washington State Legislature. Latino (Hispanic) Legislators of Washington State Photographs and brief biographies of the Latino/Latina Washingtonians who have served in the Washington State Legislature Courts U.S. Courts for the 9th Circuit - including Western Eastern District Courts and Western Eastern District Bankruptcy Courts in Washington State WashingtonLawHelp.org Washington State Bar Association Washington State Case Law - from Google scholar Washington State Courts forms recent opinions and searchable court records Washington State Supreme Court & Court of Appeals Decisions Washington State Supreme Court Washington State Law Library Washington State Statistics Department of Health (WA State) - Data & Statistical Reports Statistics reports from the Washington State Department of Health. Department of Social & Health Services (WA State) - Research & Data Analysis Research reports and statistics from the Research & Data Analysis Division of DSHS. Education Research and Data Center The center conducts analyses of early learning, K-12, and higher education programs and education issues in Washington State. Facts & Bill Data Charts and graphs detailing information about past political divisions, bill introductions, bills passed, and vetoes of the State House of Representatives and of the State Senate. Office of Financial Management - Data and Research The Forecasting Division provides estimates of state and local population , monitors changes in the state economy and labor force, and conducts research on a variety of issues affecting the state budget and public policy. Washington Library Statistics Statistics such as budget, collections and usage data for Washington State Public & Academic Libraries. Washington QuickFacts, U.S. Census Browse U.S. Census datasets for Washington by subject, get information by county or city, and see comparison to U.S. totals. Washington Statistical Analysis Center It is a clearinghouse for the state's criminal justice information, providing access to data, publications, and links to other state and federal resources. Elections & Voting in Washington State County Auditors/Elections Departments in Washington State Elections & Voting (A division of the Office of the Secretary of State) Information on everything related to elections in Washington State, including voter registration, election laws, upcoming & previous elections. Historical Timeline of Voting & Elections in Washington State History of Votes on State Income Tax Oaths of Office 1854-1994 Collection includes the names of over 22,000 elected or appointed officials in Washington State, who took an oath of office between 1854 and 1994 Previous Election Results and Voters' Pamphlets Results are available for elections taking place from 1898 to the present. Redistricting: A Decade-by-Decade Glance Voting Districts Map Washington State Cities & Counties Counties of Washington - Brief Histories County Web Sites & Contact Information Municipal Research & Services Center of Washington A comprehensive local government site, containing weekly news, sample documents, responses to common questions received by MRSC, local & state statutes and administrative rules. Washington Place Names Database Maps Early Washington Maps Digital Collection from Washington State University General Land Office records U.S. Bureau of Land Management Search for federal land records, including survey plat maps. General Map Collection, 1841-2005 (Washington State Archives The State Archives has digitized over 5000 Washington state maps from their collection, and made them available on their free Digital Archives web site . The maps include railroad maps, highway maps, maps of rivers and tidelands, charts, county maps, city maps, forest area maps, and park maps. Maps from the Washington State Dept. of Natural Resources Maps on a wide variety of topics, including mining reclamation, geothermal resources and trail maps Maps in the Washington State Library Collections The State Library has many maps, which are found in our historical, federal publications and state publication collections. USGS Topographic Maps The State Library has a large collection of federal topographic maps issued by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). You can use our catalog to do a keyword search for the place name along with the word topographic. This collection does not circulate, and unfortunately, library staff is unable to undertake map research on behalf of customers. Many of the USGS historical topographic maps are also available to view on the USGS web site . New maps will only be released online, through the USGS Map Store Washington State Facts & Symbols Simply Washington Booklet providing an overview of Washington State State Facts Learn about our history, population, economy, climate & geography. State Symbols Learn about the official State Seal, Flag, Animals, Plants, & Songs. Washington State Flag Includes history of the flag, state regulations, rules pertaining to use, as well as care & disposal. Washington State History George Washington Bush Site includes a biography of the early African-American pioneer in Tumwater/Olympia, as well as maps, articles, and timelines. The Great Depression in Washington State - a multimedia resource from the University of Washington HistoryLink.org An online encyclopedia of Washington State history. Includes articles, slide shows, cyber tours and an image collection. Labor & Civil Rights movements in the Pacific Northwest History projects done by the University of Washington on the antiwar movement, civil rights in Seattle, and a variety of other labor history and civil rights history topics. Territorial Timeline A historical timeline of the Pacific Northwest and Washington Territory. Legacy Washington Territory and State of Washington 1853 to the Present : An Overview of Federal Congressional and Senatorial Representation Washington History Day This web site guides you to primary source documents about Pacific Northwest history located in archives and libraries around the state. You can search by subject, time period, or by repository. Washington Women's History Consortium Preserves and makes available resources about Washington state women's history. Washington State Travel & Tourism Visiting & Recreation The official State Government web site provides information on Events, Festivals, Museums, Performing Arts, Parks, Outdoor activities, as well as maps & weather information. Capitol Tour & Visitor Information Find how to book a tour, directions, events calendars, and facts and history about the capitol. Experience Washington Access tourist and travel information on accommodations, activities, attractions, deals, events, and maps. Washington State Ferries Washington Tide Tables Washington State Research Directions & Hours Search the Catalog Ask a Librarian Events & Programs Library Collections Donate Now! About the Office Secretary of State Steve Hobbs Biography Newsroom Employment Internship Opportunities Public Records Request Invite Secretary Hobbs to an Event History of the Office Washington's Secretaries of State - Past and Present Corporations & Charities Business Entities Filings, Forms & Information Limited Liability Companies Return a Business to Active Status Limited Liability Company (LLC) & Professional LLC (PLLC) Filing Resource Page Maintain Business Compliance Registered Agents Annual Reports Period of Duration Online Filing Instructions Close a Corporation Online Close an LLC, PLLC, LP, LLP, LLLP Online File an Annual Report (Multiple Entity Tpyes) Online File an Annual Report (Nonprofit 24.03A Only) Online Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Limited Liability Company (LLC) Online Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Limited Liability Limited Partnership (LLLP) Online Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Online Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) Online Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Professional Limited Liability Partnership (PLLP) Online Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Professional Service Corporation Online Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Profit Corporation Online Reinstate a LLC, PLLC, Profit or Professional Service Corporation Online Reinstate a Nonprofit Miscellaneous & Mutual Corporation Online Reinstate a Nonprofit or Nonprofit Professional Service Corporation Online Requalify an LLC, PLLC, Profit or Professional Service Corporation Online Start a Domestic (WA) LP or LLLP Online Start a Domestic (WA) Limited Liability Corporation Online Start a Domestic (WA) Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Online Start a Domestic (WA) Nonprofit Corporation Online Start a Domestic (WA) Nonprofit Professional Service Corporation Online Start a Domestic (WA) Professional Limited Liability Corporation (PLLC) Online Start a Domestic (WA) Professional Limited Liability Partnership (PLLP) Online Start a Domestic (WA) Profit Corporation Online Start a Domestic (WA) Profit Professional Service Corporation Online Start a Domestic (WA) Social Purpose Corporation Online Submit an Amended Annual Report (All Entity Types) Online Submit an Initial Report (All Entity Types except NPs) Online Ownership Start or Register a Business Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Business Start a Domestic (WA) Business Steps after Registration with the Secretary of State Update Business Information Voluntary Business Closure: Dissolution or Withdrawal Nonprofits & Charities Organization Search Nonprofits Download Forms 2022 Nonprofit Law and Process Changes Charities All Forms Disclosure Requirements Commercial Fundraisers Fee Schedule for Commercial Fundraisers Want to Renew Your Commercial Fundraiser Registration Early? Charitable Trusts Fee Schedule for Charitable Trusts Information for Donors Resources for Donors Frequently Asked Questions by Donors Storefront Solicitors- Where does your donation go? National "Do Not Call" Registry Reducing Unwanted Telephone Solicitations and Junk Mail Assured Giving Commercial Fundraiser Activity Reports To File a Complaint Nonprofit & Charity Resources Apostilles Program Apostilles Frequently Asked Questions Apostille and Certificate Authenticity Search Contact Information and Location - Apostilles Additional Services Service of Process/Summons and Complaint Trademarks Domestic Partnerships Domestic Partnership FAQs Laws and Regulations International Student Exchange Agency Program (ISEA) Massachusetts Trust Registration Fish Marketing Act Resources Business Entities Washington State Small Business Guide Washington Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) Veteran Owned Business Certification Small Business Administration (SBA) Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) SCORE Business Mentoring Prevent and Detect Business Identity Theft Washington Attorney General Consumer Protection Nonprofits & Charities Compliance (State and Federal) Nonprofit Association of Washington (NAWA) National Do Not Call Registry Consumer FAQs Videos - Webinars - Recordings Annual Information Return from Tax-Exempt Org Small Business Resource Public Notices Charities Advisory Council CLE Resources Legal Actions Taken by the Attorney General Note to Financial Institutions Current Rulemaking Online Filing System Outage Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Common Reasons for Returned Documents FAQ - Do I need to register my out of state business in Washington state? Glossary of Terms What addresses to use when filing? What are Washington State Business Structures? Governors/Officers/Directors/Members/Managers FAQ - Trademarks FAQ - How do I get copies Fee Schedule / Expedited Service Glossary of Terms FAQ - Charitable Organizations CCFS Account Creation Certificate of Existence Examples of Potentially Confusing or Misleading “Notices” & “Solicitations” How Do I Order Certified Copies? I think I received a notice from your office; what should I do? Reset/Forgot Password Previously Posted Alerts & Information Processing Guidelines and Procedure Elections Voters Voter Eligibility & Resources Voter Eligibility Future Voter Program How to Receive a Ballot Military and Overseas Voters Voters with Disabilities Voting in Assisted Living Facilities Felony Convictions and Voting Rights Voters Away at College New Washington Resident Seasonal Resident - Snowbird Residency Requirements Voter Registration Online Voter Registration Print a Voter Registration Form Requesting Voter Registration Forms By Mail Automatic Voter Registration (AVR) County Elections Offices Drop Box and Voting Center Locations 3 Ways to Register to Vote Helpful Information Current Election Information Top 2 Primary: FAQs for Voters Frequently Asked Questions about Elections Frequently Asked Questions on Voting by Mail Current Federal & State Elected Officials Descriptions of Elected Offices Wildfires and voting Electoral College Electoral College Electors Presidential Primary FAQ Proposed Ballot Measure Information Securing Your Vote 2021 Voters' Pamphlet Audio Candidates Filing Resources File for Office Candidates Who Have Filed Washington State Officials' Salary Information Running for President of the United States Withdrawal of Candidacy Information Current District Maps Descriptions of Elected Offices Washington State Voter Registration Database Voter Registration Tools Cybersecurity Campaign Playbook (Belfer Center) Frequently Asked Questions Candidate Filing FAQ Write-in Candidacy Top Two Primary: FAQs for Candidates Recount FAQs Frequently Asked Questions on Voting By Mail Frequently Asked Questions about Elections Campaign Regulation Washington Public Disclosure Commission Federal Elections Commission Political signs on highways Initiatives & Referenda Current Initiatives & Referenda Past Initiatives 2024 Initiatives to the Legislature Measure Assignments Initiatives to the People Measure Assignments Initiatives to the Legislature Measure Assignments Petition Observer Resources Filing an Initiative Initiative and Referenda Handbook How to Sponsor an Initiative File Online FAQ - Circulating Initiative and Referendum Petitions Filing Resources Affidavit for proposed Initiative Affidavit for proposed Referendum Petition Template Instructions Petition Template - Initiative to the People Petition Template - Initiative to the Legislature Education & Outreach K-12 & College Future Voter Program Student Mock Election Teaching Elections in Washington State Request copy of Teaching Elections in WA State Temperance and Good Citizenship Day Washington Campus Voting Challenge Voters Language Access for Voters 3 Ways to Register to Vote Video Path of a Ballot Video Video Collection Outreach and Voter Registration Handouts Voter Registration Drive Tools Guide to Registering Voters Online Voter Registration Requesting Voter Registration Forms By Mail Voter Eligibility Request a Voter Registration Starter Kit Voter Outreach and Education Materials Elections Kit Same Day Registration Data & Research Election Data and Maps Current Election Ballot Return Statistics Current Election Ballot Status Reports Reports, Data, and Statistics Voter Demographics Monthly Voter Registration Transactions Voter Registration Database Ballot Drop Box Usage by Year Voter Participation Statistics Voter Turnout by Election General Election Turnout Redistricting & Census Information Precinct Shapefiles Election Results and Voters' Pamphlets 2026 February Special Election Washington State Election Results Archive 2024 Court Designated Legislative/Congressional Maps Section 203 Language Access for Voters Map History, Laws, and Litigation Election Laws History of the Washington State Primary Constitutional Amendment Ballot Measures Election Technology Voter Registration Database Understanding Voter Registration Data Voting Systems by County Voting System Testing and Certification Securing Your Vote Post-Election Audits Public Notices Public Hearings and Meetings Elections Rulemaking Administrators Certification & Training Election Administrator Certification About Certification and Training How to Become Certified Training Materials and Videos Elections 101 Apply for Certification Certification Exam Election Laws ADA Ballot Drop Box Accessibility ADA Checklist for Voting Centers Clearinghouse Notices & Elections Advisories Introduction to County Canvassing Boards Presidential Primary Advisories and Resources Recent Rulemaking State & Federal Election Laws and Checklists Statewide Standards on What is a Vote Election Resources Recount FAQ Presidential Primary Resources & Training Materials Forms & Templates Forms for Voters Forms for Candidates Voter Registration Challenges Certification, L&A Tests, and Recounts Election Cost Allocation and Reimbursement Forms for Voters Print a Voter Registration Form Agency-based Voter Registration Forms Special Absentee Ballot Application HAVA Complaint Form Voter Registration Cancellation Form Contact Info County Elections Offices Elections Calendar Mark the Ballot Rumor Has It Archives Explore Our Collection Archives Catalog Online Records Ask an Archivist Branches Central Regional Branch Eastern Regional Branch Northwest Regional Branch Puget Sound Regional Branch Southwest Regional Branch State Government Frequently Asked Research Questions State Constitution Teachers & Students Help for Government Agencies Managing City Records Managing County Records State Agencies Managing Agricultural Commodity Commission Records Other Government Agencies State & Local Government Imaging Services Records Center Committees and Commissions Archives Advisory Committee Local Records Committee Recording Standards Commission State Records Committee Advice and Consultations Draft Public Schools (K-12) Records Retention Schedule v.9.1 Draft Revision of Economic Development and Transport Schedule Draft Revision of Local Government CORE Schedule Draft Revision of State Government General Schedule Help Using Records Retention Schedules Laws and Rules for Records Management Managing Beach and Lake Management District Records Help with Beach and Lake Management District Records Retention Managing Commodity Commission Records Managing Executive Level Records Managing Legal Affairs Records Managing Policy and Procedure Records Managing Project Files Managing Subject Files Managing Transitory Records Managing Vehicle Records Managing Volunteer Records Previous Versions - Agricultural Commodity Commissions Schedule Previous Versions - County Assessors and Treasurers Schedule Records Management Training Records Retention Schedules Request a Consultation Be Involved Donate SCRIBE Out of the Archives Newsletter Archive Managing Records of Private & Other Non-Government Organizations Archives Policies Library About the State Library Available Services As Of July 1, 2025 My Library Account Ask a Librarian Branch Libraries History of the Washington State Library Get a Library Card Library Staff Directory Hours of Operation & Directions State Librarian Resource Sharing (Interlibrary Loan) Resource Sharing (Interlibrary Loan) for Individuals Research & Collections About The Olympian and Historic Clippings Index Digital Resources Hub Washington State Research Washington State Newspapers Washington Rural Heritage Washington Digital Newspapers Northwest Digital Heritage State Government Publications Classics in Washington History Washington State Publications New Electronic Titles Federal Government Publications Genealogy Collections of the Washington State Library Special Collections Collection Bibliographies Governor's Writers Day Awards at the Washington State Library, 1966-2000 Rare Maps Collection of the Washington State Library The Washington State Library Tweney 89 Collection Rare Publications of the Washington State Library Guidelines for Donating to the Special Collections Guidelines for the Handling and Care of Special Collections Manuscripts Collection of the Washington State Library Special Collections Frequently Asked Questions Governor Isaac Stevens' Territorial Library Collection Ye Galleon Press Collection City Directories & Telephone Books County Directories Federal Government Resources Land Records in Washington State Northwest Cards Obituary Requests Washington State Depository Program Libraries Washington Territorial and State Governors Women in the Washington State Legislature Newspapers - Moments in History Links to Newspapers in Washington Resources for You Postmarked Washington Primarily Washington Washington State Book Awards Librarian Certification Washington Librarian Certification FAQ Institutional Library Services Wishlist Washington Center for the Book Resources for Libraries First Tuesdays: Continuing Education Library Development Contacts by Name Technology Children's Internet Protection Act Children's Internet Protection Act: Questions and Answers Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and Filtering E-Rate Information for Public Libraries Technology Services Training Training Calendar Training and Certification Resources Trustee Support Resources & Training for Public Library Staff - Washington State Library - WA Secretary of State Resources & Training for School Library Staff LSTA Background Publications Previous Publications (1999 - 2022) Washington Digital Library Consortium LinkedIn Learning Northstar Projects Advantages of Washington Group Services All Aboard for Kindergarten Check Out Washington Data Consultation Digital Inclusion Resource Collection Early Learning Support Open Data - Library Statewide Projects and Initiatives Teacher-Librarian Common Core Cadre (TLC Washington Group Services News Washington OCLC Group Services Libraries Washington OCLC Group Services Washington Public Libraries and the K-20 Network Washington State's Summer Reading Program Youth Services Circulating STEAM Program Kits Library Services for School-Age Youth Library Services for Teens Subscribe to the Library Newsletter Grants for Libraries Library Council Professional Development and Training All Resources for Libraries AskWA Workforce Development Email Lists Washington State Public Library Policies WA Talking Book & Braille Library Statewide Programs Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) Do I Qualify? Application Process Is the ACP appropriate for me? Participants Owning a Business. Nonprofit, or Charity. Participant Forms Participant Responsibilities Purchasing a Home Survivor Resources Updating ACP Information Using Your Substitute Address Voter Registration - ACP Advocates Agencies and Businesses Civic Engagement Program (CEP) Combined Fund Drive (CFD) Legacy Washington Global War on Terrorism Memorial Medals of Merit & Valor Educational Resources: Learn with OSOS Simply Washington State Flag State Seal Buy Books and Flags Washington State Productivity Board About the Productivity Board Productivity Board Awards Productivity Board Programs Submit an Idea