SPOKANE, Wash. — Ballots are landing in mailboxes of Washington state voters ahead of the March 12, 2024, primary. There is a difference with the state's presidential primary that some voters are worried about.
Specifically, KREM 2 News viewers are writing to ask about the ballot envelope and whether voters must mark either Republican or Democrat.
Alle M. asked, "Why is it required to note what party they voted for on the outside envelope? Is this a new requirement?"
Let's Verify.
THE QUESTION
Are you required to mark a political party on your primary ballot envelope?
THE SOURCES
THE ANSWER
Having to mark your voting party on the ballot envelope is not a new requirement in Washington state, according to Lincoln County Auditor Chandra Schumacher. Marking your party delegation was also required in the 2016 and 2020 primaries.
"The only time they have to declare is during the presidential primary," Schumacher told KREM 2.
Primaries are a way for voters to help political parties choose presidential nominees. The requirement to mark which party you voted for on the ballot envelope is legal under U.S. law.
"This is an internal party process that is backed up by the U.S. Supreme Court," Steve Hobbs, Washington Secretary of State, told KREM 2. "People get angry and contact the Secretary of State's Office and their county auditor and get mad."
The Secretary of State's office also provides examples of what counts as a complete or incomplete declaration on the ballot envelope. It includes examples from the 2016 primary where voters noted their objections to the requirement.
Your marked party delegation must match the party of the candidate you vote for on your ballot under Washington state law. Your party selection will be removed from your voter record 60 days after your ballot is certified.
"We wouldn't know in 2016 how you voted. We wouldn't know in 2020 how you voted," Schumacher said. "Those are eliminated in 60 days."
You will not have to select a party in the November general election, and you can vote for any candidate regardless of your party affiliation.
KREM 2 can verify that yes, you are required to mark a political designation for Washington's presidential primaries for your vote to count.
Schumacher says if you're worried about sending your marked ballot envelope by mail, you can also drop it off in an official ballot drop box or take it to your local elections office.
RELATED: Unique voting process unveiled for Washington's Presidential Primary | Key differences explained
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