Mark the Ballot
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
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Every valid voter registration must include identifying information (e.g., driver's 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
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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)
- 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.
- Journey of the Ballot
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Learn about the path your ballot takes every election.
- How to Make Your Mark
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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!
- Election Transparency
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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.
- Signature Verification
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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 Certification Day.
More on elections:
- Current election — November 5 General Election
- Additional information
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Frequently Asked Questions about Elections in Washington state