Mark the Ballot | WA Secretary of State

Mark the Ballot | WA Secretary of State
Mark the Ballot
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Mark The Ballot
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Have you met Mark the Ballot? The goal of the Office of the Secretary of State's education and awareness campaign is to share elections facts in a fun, memorable, and informative way, showing Washingtonians that our elections are accurate, secure, and transparent.
Mark the Ballot messages:
Voter Eligibility
Every valid voter registration must include identifying information (e.g., driver license) and a signature attesting to a voter's eligibility to vote.
Knowingly providing false information or claiming U.S. citizenship on a voter registration application or voting as a non-citizen is a class C felony (
RCW 29A.84.130
and
29A.84.660
). This not only risks criminal charges but could also jeopardize future citizenship.
More on
voter eligibility
Voter Roll Accuracy
Voter registration data constantly changes as voters move, change their name, or have other status updates. The Office of the Secretary of State regularly works in partnership with all 39 county election offices and several other state and federal agencies to improve the accuracy of voter registration data.
Understanding Voter Registration Data
Learn about Washington State's Voter Registration Database
Voter Roll Accuracy Video - English (YouTube)
Voter Roll Accuracy Video - Spanish (YouTube)
Voter Eligibility
Felony Conviction and Voting Rights
Future Voter program
Securing Your Vote - by county
Election officials work hard to make sure your vote is safe and secure before, during, and after every election. Select an option below to learn how.
Statewide
Adams
Asotin
Benton
Chelan
Clallam
Clark
Columbia
Cowlitz
Douglas
Ferry
Franklin
Garfield
Grant
Grays Harbor
Island
Jefferson
King
Kitsap
Kittitas
Klickitat
Lewis
Lincoln
Mason
Okanogan
Pacific
Pend Oreille
Pierce
San Juan
Skagit
Skamania
Snohomish
Spokane
Stevens
Thurston
Wahkiakum
Walla Walla
Whatcom
Whitman
Yakima
Journey of the Ballot
Learn about the path your ballot takes every election.
Journey of the Ballot Video - English (YouTube)
Journey of the Ballot Video - Spanish (YouTube)
How to Make Your Mark
Are you ready to make your Mark? Follow along with Mark the Ballot in our step-by-step guide to voting in our state to see how simple it is to cast your vote and ensure it counts. From receiving your ballot to returning it, we’ve made the process easy, clear, fair, and secure!
How to Make Your Mark Video - English (YouTube)
How to Make Your Mark Video - Spanish (YouTube)
Election Transparency
Ever wonder what happens after you turn in your ballot? 🗳️ Good thing you have Mark the Ballot to give you a tour of Washington state’s secure and transparent election process! You can rest easy knowing your voice is heard.
Election Transparency Video - English (YouTube)
Election Transparency Video - Spanish (YouTube)
Signature Verification
When you sign your name, unique characteristics like how you form your letters are important! Trained election officials compare your signature to your voter registration record every time. It’s like a password
nobody can vote with your ballot except you!
If there is a question about your signature, you will be notified so that you can update your signature and have your ballot counted. Election staff commonly send questioned signatures to their county canvassing board for further analysis. Only the impartial, 3-member board can reject a voter’s ballot based on an invalid signature and must do so by the certification deadline.
Signature Verification Video - English (YouTube)
Signature Verification Video - Spanish (YouTube)
More on elections:
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Current Election Information
Ballot Return Statistics
Additional information
Frequently Asked Questions about Elections in Washington state
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Community Toolkit
Mark the Ballot Videos - English (YouTube playlist)
Mark the Ballot Videos - Spanish (YouTube playlist)
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2025 Election Calendar (printable PDF)
Teaching Elections in Washington State Curriculum Guide
Election Information Videos (YouTube playlist)
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