OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington state’s presidential primary is on March 12 and the process differs from regular elections in the state. Here’s what you should know.
Presidential primaries in the state are the only elections to require voters to mark and sign party declarations. According to the Washington Secretary of State’s Office, this type of primary is a way for voters to help political parties decide their presidential nominees.
Beginning Feb. 23, ballots will be mailed to registered voters and voters must mark one party box, sign and return. Each party’s candidates will be listed on the ballot, but voters can only choose a candidate in one party. If voters choose candidates from both parties or a candidate from a party that doesn't match the party box selected, their votes will not count.
March 12 is the last day to register or update your ballot in person at a county election office. Mailed ballots must be postmarked on March 12 to count.
Voters will not remain affiliated with the party they choose, and their choice will be removed from their record 60 days after the state certifies the primary. March 29 is the last day for the Secretary of State to certify the primary.
This process is only for the March 12 primary and does not apply to the November general election.
Both parties have rules on how they decide to allocate delegates using the primary results.
The 2024 Democratic National Convention is August 19-22, and the Republican National Convention is July 15-18.
The November general election is Nov. 5.