| Question |
Answer |
| Can I Vote? |
A voter must be registered to qualify to vote. To register as a voter, the following requirements must be met:
- A United States Citizen
- 18 Years of Age
- Not presently denied civil rights as a result of a felony conviction |
| When Can I Register? |
Citizens may register to vote at anytime. A citizen must register or transfer their registration to Pierce County 30 days prior to an election to be qualified to vote. The form must be postmarked 30 days prior to the upcoming election. A special registration period between the 15th and 30th day prior to the election is available if the voter was not registered in Washington State on or before the 30th day before the election and is not currently registered in Washington state. To register up to 15 days prior to an election, visit the Pierce County Auditor's Office or a site designated by the Auditor; voting by absentee ballot is required for that election only. |
| Where Can I Register? |
Citizens may register to vote in person or obtain a form to register by mail at any of the following locations:
- Pierce County Election Department
- Tacoma Libraries
- City/Town Clerks
- All Public Schools
- All City of Tacoma Fire Stations
- Staffed Fire Stations in the County (Call First)
- Most State Offices
- Drivers Licensing Offices
- Pierce County Rural Libraries
- Online
If unable to use one of the above locations, you may download a form or request a registration form by phoning the Election Department at (253) 798-7430 or 1-800-446-4979. |
| Why can't I use a PO Box as a registration address? |
You must provide a residence address for your voter registration as required by law. A street address is needed to assign you to your correct voting precinct. A voter may use a PO Box, PMB or another address for mailing purposes. |
| What if I'm new to Pierce County? |
If moving from any other county or state, a new registration form must be completed for Pierce County. Voter registrations are not transferable across county lines. You may download a form or obtain a form at any of the locations listed above. A previous registration, if any, will be canceled at that time. |
| What if I've moved within the County? |
When moving within the same county, voter registration should be changed. The change of address must be received by the Pierce County Auditor at least 30 days prior to an election to be valid for that election. A transfer of address can be done at any of the locations listed above, by phoning the Pierce County Election Department at (253) 798-7430 or by completing our on-line form. If moving from another county or state, re-registration in Pierce County is required as stated above (Reference RCW 29A.08). |
| What if my name has changed? |
If currently registered and still living in Pierce County, a name change may be accomplished by filling out a new voter registration form. You may call Pierce County Election Department at (253) 798-7430 and a form will be forwarded to you or you can download a form. We can not take name changes over the phone or via email, we are required to have a new signature on file. All name changes must be completed at least 30 days prior to an election to be valid for that election. |
| Can a voter registration be canceled for failure to vote? |
A voter will be placed in an inactive status, if mailed documents are returned as undeliverable by the U.S. Postal Service. If a voter has remained in an inactive status for a period of two federal elections their voter registration will be canceled. |
| How does a convicted Felon get their voting rights restored? |
For information regarding the restoration of your civil rights please visit the Secretary of State's website. |
| What is the difference between Vote-By-Mail and Absentee ballots? |
Voters living in a precinct with 200 or fewer registered voters, after the number of Ongoing Absentees has been deducted, may be assigned to a 'Vote-By-Mail' Precinct. A ballot is automatically mailed to all registered voters of that precinct for all elections in which they are eligible to vote and Pierce County pays for return postage.
Registered voters who will be away from home for one particular election and wish to have a ballot mailed to their home address or an alternate mailing address need only contact the Election Department by telephone or letter. Regular absentee ballots can be obtained up until the day before the election.
Registered voters who have requested ongoing (permanent) absentee status are automatically mailed a ballot 18 days prior to an election in which they are eligible to vote. A permanent year-round mailing address is required. |
| How can I locate a Post Office to mail my ballot? |
You can locate a post office near you, along with the collection times at the USPS website. Remember that your ballot must be postmarked by Election Day. |
| What if I need a replacement absentee ballot? |
If you need a replacement ballot: contact Pierce County Elections at (253) 798-7430 / (800) 446-4979 or appear in person on or before the day before an election at 2501 S 35th Street, Suite C, Tacoma, Washington, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or on the day of an election between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. |
| Where are you located? |
The Election Center is located at 2501 S. 35th St, Suite C, Tacoma. Customer service hours are 8:30am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. We are closed on legal holidays. If you are not familiar with our location you may print a map. |
| How do you figure validation? |
Many local ballot measures require a specific number of votes to pass. To learn how these validation figures are calculated, visit our Validation Demystified web page. |
| What is the Electoral College? |
We have linked to the Federal Election Commission's website which provides a wealth of information regarding the Electoral College. |
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