Women earned the right to vote in the United States in 1919 after the 19th Amendment was voted into the Constitution. We have had the privilege of voting for over 100 years. After being many generations removed from the Suffrage Movement, it can be expected that we would become complacent or not take full advantage of that privilege. However, we now have multiple ways to vote, depending on your state, which means voting is fairly easy! 

Below is a quick rundown of how to vote in each state where we have WtoWN Regions and Chapters.

VOTING IN IDAHO

If you live in Idaho and have not registered to vote, you can register online up to 24 days before an election or in person at your polling place.

In Idaho, to register to vote, you’ll need a current Idaho Driver's Licence or ID Card. If you plan on registering the same day at your polling place, you will need to bring with you a piece of mail that is a bill (e.g., utilities, or credit card) to verify your address.

Idaho does have absentee ballots. If you need a ballot sent to you, you must request one at least 30 days before the election. All ballots must be received by your county clerk or dropped into a ballot dropbox (if available in your county) by 8 p.m. on election day. Additionally, some counties will have early voting available at select polling places (e.g., Boise City Hall) the week before the election.

You can verify your voter registration, register to vote, and request an absentee ballot online through Vote Idaho, managed by the Secretary of State, Phil McGrane.

VOTING IN OREGON

In Oregon, most residents who visit the DMV and get their driver’s license or ID card are automatically registered to vote. The state sends a notice allowing you to declare a party affiliation or opt out of registering to vote altogether. If you don’t submit your affiliation by the deadline on the form, you are automatically registered as an unaffiliated voter. Additionally, if you’re 16 in Oregon, you can also register to vote and automatically be mailed a ballot for elections that occur on or after your 18th birthday. 

Currently, Oregon does not allow for same-day registration at your polling place. All registrations have to be completed 21 days before the election. If you are not registered to vote in Oregon and are a resident, you have until October 15th to register to be able to vote on November 5 - registration forms mailed to your County Elections office will only need to be postmarked by October 15. To register, you’ll need a current Oregon Driver’s License or ID Card, and you must be a citizen of the United States.

Oregon mails a comprehensive voter guide 2-3 weeks before Election Day and automatically mails ballots to registered voters soon after. All ballots must be submitted in an official drop box or to your County Clerk’s office (either dropped off in person or by mail) on Election Day. They also have absentee ballots for students and residents who know they will be traveling on Election Day - that requires a separate form.

You can verify your voting status, download an absentee ballot request form, and register to vote through My Vote, managed by Oregon Secretary of State, LaVonne Griffin-Valade.

VOTING IN WASHINGTON

Washington has online voter registration available, but registrations must be completed at least eight (8) days before the election. If you prefer to register with a paper form, all County Clerk offices have voter registration forms available. If you aren’t able to register by the deadline, residents can register in-person at their polling place on election day. Like Idaho, you must bring your ID and a piece of mail (usually a utility bill) as proof of address. Your address on your ID and your bill must match.

All residents in Washington are mailed a ballot to their residence 18 days before Election Day, but voters can still vote in person at their polling place if they choose to do so. Residents must return their ballot by official drop box or by mail, and no stamp is needed. Your ballot must be deposited or postmarked by Election Day. If mailed, the Post Office recommends that you mail a week before Election Day.

To register online, sign up to vote by mail, or confirm your voter registration status in Washington, visit VoteWA, managed by Washington Secretary of State, Steve Hobbs.

For more information about voting and ballots in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, check out our Voting Information.