ELECTIONS + VOTING
Women to Women Network was established to create a space for women to connect to each other, find opportunities, grow personally and professionally, and create collaborative partnerships and friendships. We pride ourselves on living by our core values of Integrity, Authenticity, Compassion, Inclusion and Community which means we are welcoming to all women regardless of career path, industry, background, culture, ethnicity, and identity.
Since we launched, we have remained steadfast in these values for our growing community but have also remained silent on other issues, including politics. As an organization built to empower and support women, we can no longer remain apolitical, but we will always remain nonpartisan.
After careful consideration and many conversations amongst the Executive Team, we have decided that it is vitally important to provide our Members with the resources and information they need to be informed voters in their Regions. Below, you will find information for Idaho, Oregon, and Washington on how to vote and how to find out what elections are upcoming in your community, all with the purpose of helping you be an informed voter.
IDAHO
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Idaho allows residents to verify their voting registration status through the Secretary of State. Verify your registration status and learn what you can do to update your registration, if needed, through their website.
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Idaho allows for online registration up to 24 days before an election. If you missed that deadline, you can also register in-person at your County Clerk's office, or you can register on election day - you will need a current ID and a utility bill that matches the address on your ID for verification.
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Idaho allows residents to request an Absentee Ballot online or at the appropriate County Clerk's office 30 days prior to the election. Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day or dropped in a ballot drop box by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
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In Idaho, some counties offer early voting at a single location (i.e. City Hall), usually during the week before the election. If you want to vote on Election Day, you can find your polling place online.
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Idaho lists out what is on the ballot in statewide elections through the Secretary of State. However, if you want to learn if there are other issues, such as county seats or bonds, those can be found through your County Clerk's website.
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The Secretary of State does not currently provide comprehensive Voter Guides with detailed candidate and issue information. However, there are several voter guides available from media outlets and nonpartisan groups - below are just a few examples (NOTE: most voter guides will be updated closer to the November 5 election):
OREGON
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Oregon allows residents to verify their voting registration status through the Secretary of State. Verify your registration status and learn what you can do to update your registration, if needed, through their website.
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Oregon automatically registers most residents through the DMV, but new residents or current residents can register online or change their party affiliation online up to 21 days before Election Day. Oregon does not permit same-day registration at the polls.
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Oregon automatically mails residents ballots before Election Day. All ballots must be returned to the appropriate County Clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day and can be dropped in any official Ballot Drop Box or can be mailed. The Post Office recommends residents drop their ballots in the mail 2-3 days before Election Day.
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Oregon has an Absentee Ballot process for students and for residents who know they will be traveling on Election Day. Ballot request forms must be filled out and sent in by mail, or dropped off in person at your local County Clerk.
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Oregon sends residents a detailed and comprehensive voter guide 2-3 weeks before Election Day to allow voters time to thoroughly research candidates and issues before filling out their ballot.
WASHINGTON
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Washington has a portal for residents who are registered to vote that allows them to check their registration status, find their polling place, and more. You must have a current registration status to access the portal.
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Washington allows residents to register to vote online up to 8 days prior to Election Day. If you miss the deadline, you can also register in person on Election Day at your polling place.
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Washington automatically mails ballots to all residents who are registered to vote. Ballots must be dropped into a drop box, delivered in person to your County Clerk's office, or postmarked by Election Day. The Post Office does recommend residents put their ballots in the mail 2-3 days before Election Day.
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Washington has a detailed voter guide on their Secretary of State's website and are available in multiple languages. These voter guides also include state measures as well as candidates.
