Island County Auditor

Frequently Asked Questions about Residency
and Voting Rights

To be eligible to register to vote in Washington, you must be a resident of the state. The term residence is used differently for a variety of legal situations. For example, residency for tuition at a state college is defined by statutes dealing with state institutions of higher learning. Residency for unemployment benefit eligibility or financial assistance is defined by statutes dealing with those topics. Similarly, residency is defined for the purposes of voting in the State Constitution and in the laws and regulations related to voting.

The Washington State Constitution states the following qualifications for voters, “All persons of the age of eighteen years or over who are citizens of the United States and who have lived in the state, county and precinct thirty days immediately preceding the election at which they offer to vote…”(Art. VI sec. 1) . RCW 29.01.140 defines residence for the purpose of registering and voting as a person’s address where he physically resides and maintains his abode.

What does residence mean for purposes of voter registration and voting?

When applied to voter registration, the term residence usually means the place where you physically maintain your home and where you spend the majority of your time. You must have a residence. Once that residence is established, it exists until a new residence is established. You may not have more than one residence.

How do I change my residence?

You must physically leave the previous residence with the intention of establishing a new residence at another location. You do not lose residence for voting purposes simply because you are no longer residing at the physical location where you are registered.

For example, if you leave to begin a job in a new location with the intent of returning you will not lose residency. If, however, you choose to make the new location your residence then the previous residence is lost and you must change your registration. Intention to reside in a particular place - permanently or for an unspecified period of time - is an important factor in determining your residence for voting purposes. Your declarations or testimony, with respect to your intention, must be evidenced by your conduct and the factual circumstances surrounding his or her claim to a particular residence.

What if I’m in the military, a student or traveling outside the state or country?

These rules also apply to you if you’re in the military, a student or traveling outside the state and country.

It is your responsibility to know whether you are eligible to register and vote. In addition to meeting the residency requirements listed above, you must be at least 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States of America, and have your full civil rights to be eligible to participate in elections.

Is it legal for people to use my address for their voter registration even though they don’t live here anymore?

Yes. In many circumstances, it is the only address they can use for voter registration. For example, a member of the armed services stationed overseas or out of state, or a student attending school abroad who formerly resided at your address, may use that address for voter registration and voting purposes.

What are the penalties for voting or registering to vote if I am ineligible?

These crimes are Class C felonies punishable by imprisonment for up to five years and/or a fine up to $10,000.

What can I do if I know someone isn’t eligible to vote but is still registered to vote?

Suggest the person contact his/her county elections department right away to have the (or his/her) registration canceled. If the person is not willing to accept this responsibility, you may contact the County Auditor yourself. You can also provide proof of his/her ineligibility to the County Prosecuting Attorney.

What should I do if I want to file a report about a person who I suspect is not eligible to be a registered voter?

Please complete and submit a Voter Concern Form.