Voting commences statewide for the 2023 General Election in Washington

OLYMPIA – The electoral gears are in motion across the Evergreen State as voting for the 2023 General Election officially begins. With a staggering 590 ballot boxes and voting centers spread throughout all 39 counties in Washington, the state's 4.8 million registered voters now have secure and convenient avenues to exercise their civic duty.

In adherence to the strict deadlines, all ballots must be either dropped off at a county drop box or voting center by 8 p.m. on Nov. 7 or postmarked by the same date if sent via mail. This election encompasses all 39 counties and features  3,095 offices up for election, along with 128 local measures for the electorate to decide.

Secretary of State Steve Hobbs encouraged all eligible voters to leverage the state's comprehensive and reliable resources to engage in the democratic process. These resources include voter information pamphlets distributed to every registered voter's home address, 590 official drop boxes, and voting centers administered by county governments. Furthermore, the innovative VoteWA.gov platform empowers voters to track their ballots' progress and receive text updates as their votes are processed.

"We work hard to ensure your vote is safe and secure before, during, and after every election," affirmed Hobbs. "Every voter in Washington can be confident that when they use that county ballot box or the mail to submit their ballot on time, their voice will be heard."

A notable addition to this year's electoral proceedings is the expansion of resources in the statewide Voters' Pamphlet. This enhancement allows voters to better understand the state's budget and fiscal decisions through online and phone resources. The Voters' Pamphlet is available in English, Spanish, and audio-only versions on the Secretary of State's website.

Even if they haven't registered yet, voters can still participate in the Nov. 7 General Election. Online registration via VoteWA.gov or registration forms submitted by mail must be received by Oct. 30. In-person registration at county elections offices remains an option until the voting period concludes at 8 p.m. on Nov. 7.

Secretary Hobbs emphasized the significance of this election in making important local decisions in every corner of the state. He underlined that Washington's electoral processes are renowned for their fairness and transparency, with the paramount goal of ensuring trustworthy and convenient access to empower voters in every community.

The Office of the Secretary of State in Washington oversees several aspects of state government, including managing state elections, registering corporations and charities, and governing the use of the state flag and state seal. The office's broader responsibilities encompass overseeing the State Archives and the State Library, documenting extraordinary stories in Washington's history through Legacy Washington, administering the Combined Fund Drive for charitable giving by state employees, and managing the state's Address Confidentiality Program, designed to protect survivors of crime.

As the ballots start to flow in and the countdown to Nov. 7 continues, the state of Washington stands firm in its commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring that every voice is heard in this crucial General Election.