Online, Mail Voter Registration Deadline Is Monday In Washington

Mar 2

Monday is the last day Washington residents can register to vote online or by mail. In-person registrations are accepted through March 10.

The 2020 presidential primary concludes on March 10 at 8 p.m. (Shutterstock)

By Lucas Combos, Patch Staff Mar 1, 2020 12:20 pm PT | Updated Mar 1, 2020 12:48 pm PT | Courtesy of Patch.com

RENTON, WA — Monday is the last day Washingtonians can register to vote online or by mail ahead of the 2020 presidential primary election. Those who miss the March 2 deadline can still register in-person through Election Day, March 10.

According to the Secretary of State, more than 686,000 ballots had been received by Friday.

This year's primary has some notable differences from previous elections, including the requirement that each voter must fill in a party declaration box. According to elections officials, doing so does not register you with a party, but the selection is public record. Failing to check one of the party options, or any attempt to modify the language used, will make a ballot subject to rejection or challenge.

KING 5 reports more than 36,000 ballots had been flagged for failing to follow the party selection rule by Friday, including 11,000 ballots in King County.

Elections officials said the party choice requirement is unique to this primary and will not be used during the general election. The language used in the declarations were written by the state political parties.

The other major change to be aware of this year: for the first time, the state Democratic party is using the results from the primary to assign its delegates for the national convention. In prior elections, Washington democrats relied on the caucus system.

To be eligible to vote, you must be: