John,

Today is National Voter Registration Day, a day when neighbors, leaders, and organizations across the country are reminding people to register to vote. Why? Your vote is your voice. Yet each year, many voters do not register or do not update their registration on time. 

Verifying your registration details ahead of election day is one thing you can do to combat voter suppression. Make sure your voice is heard

In the 2020 general election, ballots from younger voters and from those with Hispanic-sounding names were rejected at a higher rate in some counties. This is not a coincidence. It raises serious concerns about racial biases that persist within our democratic systems. 

As voters, we can take precautionary steps at the registration process to ensure voter access remains fair and equitable:

• Make sure your voter registration is up to date with your name, address, and other information. This is especially important if you have moved recently.

• Before turning in your ballot, check your signature to make sure it matches what’s on file for you. You can do this at your voting portal.

• Register early so that you can vote early. Voting ahead of time allows you to track your ballot. If your ballot is rejected for some reason, it gives you enough time to address the problem.

In Washington, you can update your registration online until October 30, 2023.

Already registered to vote and have a plan to vote? Help spread the word to verify your voter registration ahead of election day and to advance voter justice! Let’s make sure no one’s ballot is rejected this fall.

Onward to Election Day,

Tony Ivey (he/him)
Political and Civic Engagement Manager
Washington Conservation Action

Washington Environmental Council and Washington Conservation Voters are now unified under one brand, Washington Conservation Action.