General Election Guide for Military Families

If you are a military member in Washington, here’s what you need to know to make sure your voice is heard in Washington’s General Election on November 4, 2025. If you are a military spouse or dependent, and you are away from home because of the military service, you also qualify as a military voter.

✅ Step 1: Register to Vote (If You Haven’t Already)

Use the Federal Voter Assistance Program's website to help you determine your voting residency. Your state of legal residence is not automatically changed when you are assigned to a new duty location. If you are voting in Washington, it's easy to register in the state, even if you’re out of state or overseas.

• You can register online at VoteWA.gov. When registering, please indicate that you are a military voter. You must list a Washington residential address, which can be your last address in the state, or that of a family member—even if your current mailing address is out of the state.

• You can also fill out a paper form (by mail) or register in person at your county elections office.

• For military & overseas voters, there are special provisions—you may receive your ballot earlier, and you’ll want to ensure your registration is updated and accurate.

🔍 Step 2: Check Your Registration & Update if Needed

Already registered? Great—but double check:

• Go to VoteWA.gov → My Voter Information to confirm your registration status.

• Make sure your registration reflects your current address. If you’ve moved recently or your family has relocated, update your address to avoid delays. If you’re deployed, stationed elsewhere, or overseas, ensure everything (mailing address, legal residence) is up to date.

• If your registration is not correct or is missing, update it online (by the deadline) or in person. Washington allows for same-day registration in voting centers on Election Day.

  
  

📅 Important Dates to Know

Event	Date
General Election Day	Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Ballots mailed out: Standard ballots	By October 17 (at least 18 days before the election)
Ballots mailed out to military & overseas voters	No later than 45 days before Election Day
Deadline to register or update address (online/by mail)	October 27
In-person registration or voting at county voting center	Available through Election Day, 8:00 PM local time.
Deadline to return your ballot	By 8:00 PM on November 4. You can use a drop box or mail it. No stamp needed if using official drop box.

🗳 What’s On the Ballot & How to Prepare

• Depending on where you live, your ballot could include state offices (Governor, State Senator, State Representative), judicial positions, local measures (bonds, levies, questions), City or County offices, and more.

• Use the Online Voters’ Guide at VoteWA.gov to see what has been filed and what will appear in your area.

• Your customized sample ballot (based on your precinct/address) will show exactly which races and measures you’ll be voting on. Reviewing this ahead of time helps you make informed choices.

  
  

🪖 Military & Overseas Voter Considerations

You have some additional rights & options to make voting easier:

• You may receive your ballot earlier than typical voters—allowing extra time for mail or transit delays. Some voters qualify to receive it as early as 90 days before the election.

• Military and overseas voters are exempt from the regular voter registration deadlines. The last day to register and request a ballot is Election Day.

• Because Washington votes by mail, if you're a registered voter in the state you'll automatically be mailed a ballot to your mailing address on file. You may return your ballot by mail, email, or fax.

• Visit the state's Military and Overseas Voters website to learn more.