Check your ballot status at VoteWA.gov. If your ballot has not been received yet, you can print out a replacement ballot at VoteWA.gov or visit a county elections office or voting center to request one. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5 and drop boxes close at 8 p.m.
When the Washington State Legislature passes a bill that is signed by the Governor, it becomes state law as part of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). To implement the requirements of state law, state agencies may adopt or revise Washington Administrative Code (WAC) to create procedures to implement legal requirements as authorized by state law through the official rulemaking process in accordance with the Washington Administrative Procedure Act (RCW 34.05). WACs adopted by the Office of the Secretary of State can be found in Chapter 434 WAC.
This first stage of the rulemaking process notifies the public that a proposed rule change is being considered and the Elections Division's authority for doing so.
To view all Washington State Register (WSR) preproposal filings (PREP) submitted by the Office of the Secretary of State, visit the Office of the Code Reviser's website.
The second stage is to draft language and set a hearing date. After the proposed language is finalized, a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (CR-102) is filed with the Office of the Code Reviser, which schedules a public hearing to hear testimony on the proposed WAC changes. After the hearing, all feedback and testimony are reviewed for potential revisions to the draft WAC language.
Filed CR-102 forms, proposed WAC amendments, and public hearing information will be posted here.
To view all Washington State Register (WSR) proposed rule amendments (PROP) submitted by the Office of the Secretary of State, visit the Office of the Code Reviser's website.
Following the public hearing, final WAC changes are submitted by filing a CR-103 form with the Office of the Code Reviser for adoption. At least 31 days after they have been adopted, the WACs become effective.
The following WAC amendments were adopted July 25, 2024 and effective August 25:
The following WAC amendments were adopted June 5, 2024 and effective July 6:
WSR 24-12-087These rules update the process and standards for verifying ballot declaration signatures in a manner that reduces and ensures consistency in counties throughout the state. The rules changes are expected to result in fewer mistaken rejections of valid ballots.
Amendments to this chapter:Associated CR-102 filed on May 1, 2024 available here. Associated CR-101 filed on July 31, 2023 available here.
These rules expand and enumerate the requirements to verify a provided signature on a ballot declaration matches the signature provided on a voter registration record and update the signature cure process.
The following WAC amendments were adopted February 7, 2024 and effective March 9:
These rules institute random assignment of initiative numbers and update the filing fee. The filing fee has been unchanged since 1913 and will be updated using the rate of inflation. Changing the number assignment system will clarify the difference between the two types of initiatives, year of filing, and employ a randomly assigned number.
The following WAC amendments were adopted January 10, 2024 and effective February 10:
These rules update election administration processes in accordance with legislative amendments and ensure consistency in operations in all county elections offices.
The following WAC amendments were adopted September 27, 2023 and effective October 28:
These rules update the processes for conducting risk-limiting audits for state and county races and measures.
The following WAC amendments were adopted July 7, 2023 and effective August 7:
These rules update statutory references in WAC to recodified federal and state statute.
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Adoption Date |
The date a state agency formally accepts changes to its rules as proposed under a CR-102. The rule change becomes effective at least 31 days after its adoption (except in the case of an emergency rule). |
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Amendment |
A change to an existing rule. |
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Concise Explanatory Statement (CEP) |
A state agency’s explanation for adopting a rule and summary of public comments and how the agency considered them. |
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Effective Date |
The date a rule’s standards begin and compliance with the new standard is required. |
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Repeal |
Removes a section from the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). |
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Revised Code of Washington (RCW) |
The permanent laws of Washington State. |
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Rulemaking |
The process a state agency uses to develop, adopt, or repeal a WAC. |
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Washington Administrative Code (WAC) |
Adopted by state agencies to create procedures to implement legal requirements as authorized by state law through the official rulemaking process in accordance with the Washington Administrative Procedure Act (RCW 34.05). |
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Washington State Register (WSR) |
A biweekly publication where documents related to state agency rule filings are published. |