Over time, your signature may change. Have you changed your name? Have you had physical changes that have altered how you sign? Have you changed the way you sign your name since registering for the first time? If you answered yes, you should update your signature on your voter registration.
How can I update my signature?
While many voters will receive a signature update form in the mail, you don’t have to wait to hear from us.
You can fill out download and print a signature update form or voter registration form.
Why did I get a letter about my signature?
Our staff periodically reviews signatures from returned ballots and compare to what we have on file. We send signature update requests to people whose signature looks to have evolved over time, or if the image we have isn’t the best quality.
State law requires that the signature on your return envelope matches what’s on your voter registration record. While you may not have encountered an issue with your signature in the past, we want to help make sure that your ballot is counted in every election.
Why should I update my signature?
Each time you submit a ballot or sign a petition, we compare those signatures to the signature on your voter registration record. We can only count your ballot or petition signature if we can find a match to what we have on file.
Why does the signature update form ask for three signatures?
Many people have different versions of their signature and signatures can look a little different every time we sign them. Providing space for more than one signature was a recommendation that came out of a recent audit on signature challenge rates across Washington State from the State Auditor’s Office.
We can hold as many signatures as you’d like on file and will compare against them all when you cast your vote.
How can I return the signature update form?
You can return the form by mail, email or fax. If returning by email, please be sure to take a clear photo or scan so that we can get a good image of your signature.
Mail: 2501 S 35th St, Suite C, Tacoma, WA 98409
Email: [email protected]
Fax: (253) 798-2761
I received a form for someone else. Can I sign that one?
Each form is unique to the voter and has their name and voter ID on it. Do not sign someone else’s form. If that person no longer lives at that address, simply write ‘Return to sender’ on it and stick it back in the mail or recycle it.
Our team does have checks and procedures in place to ensure that the signature on the form matches the name of the voter.
Knowingly signing another person’s form is a Class C felony under Washington state law.
What's the deadline to update my signature before the next election?
We encourage you to return your form as soon as possible so that it doesn’t get lost or forgotten.
You can update your signature with us by mail or email up to eight days before Election Day or in person all the way until 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Can I come in person to update my signature?
Yes, you can. We are open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday at 2501 S 35th St, Suite C, Tacoma, WA 98409.
Can you send me a picture of what you have on file so I know how I signed originally?
Under state law, we cannot send you – or anyone else – an image of your signature. Signatures are stored in our voter registration system and only accessed for official purposes.
You can, however, come in person to our office to see the signature on your file. If you have a Washington State ID and registered online or updated your registration online, you can also take a look at the signature on your ID as a guide for how to sign your ballot.
What happens if there is an issue with my signature in a future election?
We'll reach out if your signature is challenged so you can get it fixed and have your ballot counted.
Have questions?
Contact us with any questions or if you need assistance.
(253) 798-8683
[email protected]