Mark the Ballot | WA Secretary of State

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'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

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 Certification Day.