Overseas and service voters

Overseas and Service Voters Online Ballot System

Overseas and service voters can access their ballots online. Review and mark your ballot before printing it for return to Elections. There is no registration deadline for overseas and service voters.

These options are for active-duty members of the Armed Forces, Merchant Marine, Public Health Service, NOAA, and their family members, whether stationed domestically or abroad. They also apply to any United States citizen who is living outside the U.S. for work, school, or other reasons. Regardless of where you are in the world, you have the right to cast a ballot in every election and have it arrive in time to be counted.

The voting process

• Step 1: Register to vote
• Step 2: Receive your ballot
• Step 3: Return your ballot

Step 1: Register to vote

Service and overseas voters are exempt from voter registration deadlines. Check the box on the Voter Registration form to indicate that you are in the armed forces or living overseas.

However, it is important to keep your registration record up to date. Your registered residential and mailing address, signature, and contact information (primarily your email address) are just as important as your participation.

Step 2: Receive your ballot

• Electronically: We will email you a link to your electronic ballot when it is accessible, which is 45 days prior to an election.  To request an electronic ballot reminder for each election, send King County Elections an email at ballot.request@kingcounty.gov or call us at 206-296-VOTE (8683). 
• Mail: King County Elections will mail a paper ballot to registered overseas and service voters who have not requested an electronic ballot; ballots are mailed 45 days prior to the election.

Step 3: Return your ballot

• Electronically: Washington State law now allows service and overseas voters the option of returning their ballot materials electronically by email or fax. King County Elections must receive your marked, signed and dated ballot materials no later than 8 p.m. (Pacific Time) on Election Day.
• Mail: Return postage is free if the ballot is mailed through the U.S. Postal Services, U.S. Armed Forces Postal Service or the postal service of the U.S. Foreign Embassy. The date you indicate on the ballot declaration is considered the date of mailing and must be no later than Election Day. Mail your ballot as soon as possible.
• In person : Return your ballot without postage at a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. Election Day

Your signature is just as important as your vote; make sure you take the time to sign your return envelope or ballot declaration.Signing the declaration on the return envelope constitutes the equivalent of a voter registration.