Greetings Parent Leaders,
Washington's Primary Election is coming up on August 4, 2026. If you're registered to vote, your ballot will be mailed to you beginning July 17.
Primary elections can feel confusing, but they play an important role in choosing who will appear on the General Election ballot. Our goal is to help you understand the process so you can feel confident casting your vote.
What is a Primary Election?
Many people may want to run for the same office. The primary election helps narrow the field of candidates before the General Election where voters will make their final selection.
Washington uses a Top Two Primary system. This means all candidates for an office appear on the same ballot, regardless of political party. It is not guaranteed that both parties will be represented in the general election. The two candidates who receive the most votes move on to the General Election in November.
Washington is one of only a few states that uses this system, making it different from states where voters choose candidates through party-specific primaries.
Who Runs Elections?
States are responsible for running their own elections, including setting election dates and deciding how people vote. Each state does it differently.
In Washington, elections are conducted by mail. Registered voters receive a ballot in the mail and can return it by mail or place it in an official ballot drop box. It is suggested that you return your ballot at least a week early by mail to account for any delays in the mailing process to ensure your vote is counted by the deadline.
At the county level, elections are managed by the County Auditor's Office. These offices oversee voter registration, ballot processing, and election security. They can also answer questions about voting and local election procedures. Find your local auditors office here. Even though our elections happen by mail, you always have the option to vote in person at the county auditor’s office.
Who Will Be on My Ballot?
Keeping up with every race and candidate can be challenging, but there are helpful tools available:
Ballotpedia allows you to enter your address and view a sample ballot showing the candidates and offices that will appear on your ballot.
Vote.org also provides voter information and ballot resources.
Take a few minutes to explore these websites and become familiar with the candidates and issues you'll be voting on. You may recognize some names or discover races you didn't know were on the ballot.
If you are not registered, there is still time to register here. If you have questions or would like additional election information, please reach out. We're here to help you stay informed and ready to vote!
