Washington · 2026 Primary

Washington Primary Election — Tuesday, August 4, 2026

A nonpartisan guide to every name on your Washington ballot — who they are, what they have done, and where they stand. Sourced from public records, not spin.

Primary Election Day: Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Voter guide reviewed June 4, 2026

See your ballot

Enter your ZIP to load every race and candidate you can vote on.

Check your registration

Confirm you are registered — or register — before primary day.

Find your polling place

Look up your polling location and hours by address.

Browse every Washington race

Governor and Congress down to local seats, with source-backed profiles.

How the Washington primary works

Washington runs a top-two primary: every candidate for an office shares one ballot regardless of party, and the two highest vote-getters advance to November — sometimes two candidates from the same party.

What’s on your Washington ballot

Federal and statewide offices, state legislative seats, plus county and local races and any ballot measures. Your exact ballot depends on where you live.

See every Washington race

Frequently asked questions

The basics of voting in the Washington 2026 primary.

When is the Washington primary election in 2026?

Washington's 2026 statewide primary is Tuesday, August 4, 2026. The general election follows on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Many states mail ballots or open early voting ahead of primary day — check your county elections office for local options.

How does the Washington primary work?

Washington runs a top-two primary: every candidate for an office shares one ballot regardless of party, and the two highest vote-getters advance to November — sometimes two candidates from the same party.

How do I check or update my voter registration in Washington?

Confirm your status with our voter registration check, or register through your state's official portal. Many states also offer same-day or grace-period registration — your county elections office can confirm the deadlines that apply to you.

What races and candidates are on my Washington ballot?

Your exact ballot depends on your address. Enter your ZIP code on our My Ballot page to see your specific races, or browse every Washington seat and candidate on our Washington hub.

Is DecodeTheVote nonpartisan?

Yes. Every candidate profile is built from public records — voting history, campaign finance filings, and official documents — with a source link on every claim. We do not endorse candidates or rank them by ideology.

Decode your ballot before you vote.

Walk into the Washington primary knowing every name — what they have done, who funds them, and where they stand — instead of guessing in the booth.