Click on the topic  for more detailed information.

Election Dates
  

Q:	When are the primary and general elections?
A:		The primary election will be held on the third Tuesday in August  (RCW 29A.04.311).
		The general election is always the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November (RCW 29A.04.321).

Go to this year's calendar for specific dates

 
Voter Registration
   

Q:	When can I register to vote?
A:		Anytime, however, if registering by mail, or changing your address you must do so 30 days prior to the election.
		Persons not registered in Washington State may register in person at the Thurston County Auditor's Office up to 15 days before an election provided you have been a resident for at least 30 days. We are located in Building One of the courthouse at 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Olympia, Washington 98502.
		Go to this year's calendar for specific registration cut-off dates
Q:	Where can I register to vote?
A:		Download, print, and mail a form from the secretary of state's webpage:   mail-in registration forms
		Pick up forms at: Thurston County Auditor's Office, Elections Division located at 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Olympia, Washington, city and town halls, regional libraries and public schools, most state and federal agencies, and fire stations.
		E-mail a request or call our office at (360) 786-5408.
Q:	What if I am already registered in Thurston County but have changed my address and/or name?
A:		Call the elections division at (360) 786-5408 for an address change or to request a name change form.  Name changes require a new voter registration form, which can be found at the sites listed above under "Where can I register to vote?"
		These changes must be made at least 30 days before an election to be eligible for that election.
Q:	Does it cost money to register to vote?
A:		No, there is no cost  to register. It's free!

Issues With Your Ballot
   

Q:	How do I get more information about an issue on the ballot?
A:		If it is a local issue, you can consult your local voter's pamphlet, which is mailed to every home in the county, and is available from the elections  page on this site for primary and general elections.
		If it is a statewide issue, consult the statewide voters pamphlet for information, or check the secretary of state's web page for an online version.
Q:	I received a ballot for someone that does not live here - what should I do?
A:		Print "please forward, does not live here" or "not at this address" on the envelope and place the ballot back in your mail box.  Based on the information you provide we can begin a process by which the voter will, eventually, be removed from the voter registration rolls.  You will still continue to receive some election-related material for the individual at your home until this process is complete.  These follow-up mailings are required as part of the process to remove the voter from the rolls.
Q:	I signed my spouse's ballot and he/she signed mine - what should I do?
A:		If the ballots have not yet been mailed, cross out the wrong signatures and sign the correct envelopes.  If the envelope has been opened, you must also sign where the envelope has been taped shut, so we know you are the one who opened it. If you have already mailed the ballots, contact the elections division at (360)786-5408.
Q:	I changed my name - how do I sign?
A:		Sign with the name listed on the address label.  Also, fill out a new voter registration form (usually found in your local voter's pamphlet) and send it in so we can change your name in the voter registration database.
Q:	I forgot to put my ballot in the security envelope and have already sealed the oath envelope - what should I do?
A:		You have two choices:  1. You may send your ballot as it is, and we will place your ballot in a security envelope once your signature has been verified.   2. You may re-open your envelope and put your ballot into the security envelope, re-sealing the mailing envelope with tape.  If you do this, be sure to sign under the taped portion, so that we know you are the person who opened the ballot envelope.
Q:	What do I do if I reopened my oath envelope?
A:		You may tape it shut, but be sure to sign along the taped portion, so that we know you are the person who opened the ballot envelope.
Q:	I destroyed or lost my oath envelope - now what?
A:		You may call the elections division at (360)786-5408 to have a new one sent to you. You may come in to the courthouse and we will provide you a new one, or you may go to a staffed ballot drop-off site on election day and get one from the elections staff. The courthouse is located at 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Olympia, Washington 98502.
Q:	What if my spouse or parent is unable to sign the oath envelope?
A:		Have the voter make his/her best attempt at signing, or have him/her make a mark on the signature line.  Then have TWO witnesses sign under the oath in the designated locations.  Power of Attorney does not apply to voting rights.

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County and State Elected Officials
   

Q:	Who are the Thurston County officials?
A:		Click here to view a listing of the county officials.
Q:	Who are my State and U.S. Representatives?
A:		Visit the Secretary of State's Office elected official pages listed below to find the officials within your district. You will find the names of your representatives listed below the maps. You may also call the elections division at (360) 786-5408 for names and contact information.
		Legislative Members, District (Look up your legislative district.)
		Senate Members, District and Counties
		U.S. House of Representatives (Congressional) and U.S. Senate

Candidate and Filing Information
   

Q:	When is Candidate Filing Week?
A:		In-person candidate filing week begins the fourth Monday in July and runs through the following Friday (RCW 29A.24.050).
		Mail-in filing runs from ten business days immediately preceding the start of filing week through the end of filing week (RCW 29A.24.081).
		Go to this year's calendar for specific dates
Q:	What offices are open for filing and are there filing fees or other forms required?
A:		Every year the auditor's office publishes a list of available offices and the associated filing fees.  This list will be linked from the auditor's home page, as well as the elections home page, when available.  If, however, you are looking prior to this being published, you may wish to visit our Elected Offices by Year to see which offices, in general, are elected each year.
Q:	Do I have to file any special forms when I decide to become a candidate?
A:		When candidates announce their candidacy, they must file with the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) within two weeks.
Q:	What is the phone number for the Public Disclosure Commission?
A:		The Public Disclosure Commission number is (360) 753-1111.
Q:	Who are the candidates running for office?
A:		Prior to filing week (beginning the fourth Monday in July), call the Public Disclosure Commission at (360) 753-1111, and ask for a list of candidates who have filed or check their website. Additionally, we will periodically post this information on the elections main page.
		Prior to filing week, check the newspapers, radio stations, and other media sources for citizens who have announced their candidacy.
		During and after filing week, call the elections division at (360) 786-5408 or visit the link from our home page to find out who has filed a declaration of candidacy.

Election Results

Past Election Results

Q:	What is required to pass bond or levy issues?
A:		For detailed information on bonds and levies, please visit our issue information page, and/or our validation demystified page.
Q:	When are election night results posted?
A:		Election results are posted online after 8:15 p.m. on Tuesday, election day, and are updated as frequently as possible thereafter, until all processed ballots have been tabulated on election night.
Q:	When are final results declared official?
A:		After canvass of the election is complete, and the county canvassing board certifies the election.  Check the elections calendar for specific dates.
		When the last report is posted, after 4:00 p.m. on certification day, it will state on the top left corner, "Final Official Results."
Q:	When are precinct result reports available?
A:		The first report is available after 3:00 p.m. the Wednesday after election day.
		An updated report is available after 12:00 p.m. the Monday following election day (6 days later).
		The final report is available at 4:00 p.m. on election certification day.
		Precinct reports are available at the auditor's office, election division (not available on the Home Page at this time).