Election Day is November 5th. Are you ready to vote for your rights? 

Being a voter is powerful. Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy and the fundamental right upon which all our civil liberties rest. This year, voting in national, state, and local elections can have a huge impact on the livelihood of all Washingtonians.  

What’s at Stake in this Election? Initiatives like Project 2025 threaten to erode our democracy by gutting checks and balances, taking away our freedoms, and violating our Constitution. Voting for your rights this election helps lay the groundwork to protect against these threats.  

The ACLU of Washington is here to ensure you’re prepared for the road ahead. On this page, you will find helpful resources on voter registration and voting rights, important election deadlines and dates, conversation guides, and more. 
 

GET READY FOR ELECTION DAY 

Key Dates

October 18 
Start of 18-day voting period (through Election Day). Ballots are mailed out and Accessible Voting Units (AVUs) are available at voting centers. 

October 28 
Online and mail registrations must be received 8 days before Election Day. 

November 5 
Deadline for Washington State voter registration or updates (in person only). 

November 5 
General Election 

Learn more at the Secretary of State’s website.  

 

How to Vote 

This November, we have the power to send a message to elected officials about what we value and what we want them to prioritize.  

Step 1: Register! Check your voter registration to make sure you’re registered to vote.  

Step 2: Read what’s on the ballot! Learn what’s on the ballot in your area and see how being a voter can protect our future. Check out this general election fact sheet. 

Step 3: Make a plan! Find the location of your nearest ballot drop box and make a concrete plan to get there. Or learn how to vote by mail. 

Step 4: Vote your rights! Pledge to vote in this election and encourage your friends and family to do the same. 

 

Elections are for more than just the president!  

There is more on the ballot than the basic positions that might come to mind. Fire commissioners, prosecutors, county sheriffs, and other positions that directly serve you are often elected and are just as important as those like the president or the governor.  

These down-ballot races, as they’re called, often don’t get high turnout, even though they’re more likely to have an impact on your day-today life. Voting in all races on your ballot is an effective way to ensure your voice is heard by all levels of government.  

• Every county (besides King County) elects their sheriff
• ​Funding for schools and fire departments can be increased through an election
• County election leadership is elected every 4 years
• Most judges and prosecutors in Washington are elected  

 

Get Out the Vote

Every vote counts. Join us in writing to voters to remind them to vote in down-ballot races and submit their ballots once they arrive. Fill out this form to receive a pack of 10 blank postcards to send to low-propensity voters (or your friends and family) in Washington! If you'd like more than 10 postcards, or would like to host or join a postcard-writing party, send us an email ([email protected])
 

Ballot Initiatives 

Few things are more important than the success of our young people in determining the course of our state, which is why we oppose I-2109 and urge Washington voters to do the same. This initiative threatens Washington’s ability to satisfy its constitutional mandate to fully fund public education by cutting billions from education programs like childcare and early learning programs, as well as school construction.

To succeed in school and beyond, Washington's children need a strong start. Washington voters are right to demand a fully funded public education system and the wealthiest among us can afford to pitch in. We urge voters to vote no on I-2109. Learn more. 
 

HELPFUL RESOURCES  

Vote Center  

Explore our vote center to learn how to vote in Washington, how to check if you’re eligible to vote, and tips if you need help.  
 

Voting with a Criminal Record  

In 2022, the right to vote was restored for anyone who completed a prison term.  Every citizen out of prison can vote now, even while on community supervision. Learn more, and make sure you’re registered to vote.  
 

Voting without an Address  

You can register by providing a physical location where you spend most of your time, and a valid mailing address. Learn more in out Vote Center.  
 

Discuss the issues  

Use our guides to start conversations with your friends and family, and mobilize your community to fight for our rights. Download them here.  
 

The ACLU is ready for any President  

Our democracy hangs in the balance because of initiatives like Project 2025. Read our memos outlining where each presidential candidate stands on the issues. 
 

Know your rights at the polls  

Learn more about how to exercise your voting rights, resist voter intimidation efforts, and access disability-related accommodations and language assistance at the polls. For help at the polls, call the non-partisan Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE. 

Election Ready? 

Voting is an act of resistance. Make sure you're prepared for the work ahead by signing up for our action alerts. 
 

Help Sustain Our Work  

The best time to support our effort is today — can we count on you? Donate now.