Native Votes, Native Voices: Your 2026 Voting Guide
Q: Why does voting matter in Indian Country?
A: Voting is one way Native people can exercise our collective civic power. Decisions made by elected officials affect Tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, education, healthcare, natural resources, and the well-being of future generations.
Tribal sovereignty exists independently of state and federal elections. Voting gives Native people an additional way to participate in decisions that affect our communities.
Whether you vote regularly or have never voted before, your voice belongs in the process.
Q: When is Washington’s General Election?
- Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The voting period begins October 16. All of Washington votes by mail, so all registered voters automatically receive a ballot at their designated mail delivery location.
Q: How do I register or check my registration?
- Visit VoteWA.gov to register, update your address, or check your registration status.
Important deadlines:
October 26: Online and mail-in registration deadline. Mailed forms must be received by this date.
November 3: Register or update your information in person at a county elections office or designated voting center by 8 p.m.
Q: How do I cast my ballot?
- Fill out your ballot, place it in the provided envelopes, and sign the return envelope.
Return it by mail – no stamp required – or use an official ballot drop box. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by November 3; drop boxes close at 8 p.m. that day.
Mail early to avoid delays. Track your ballot at VoteWA.gov.
We strongly recommend that if you are returning your ballot after October 26, to place it directly into a ballot drop box. This will help avoid the potential for complications should any further Federal challenges to mail-in ballots arise after election day.
There is a ballot drop box located outside the Tribal Admin Center on Suquamish Way. To located other drop boxes, go to VoteWA.gov.
Q: What protections exist for Native voters?
- Washington’s Native American Voting Rights Act (NAVRA) helps address barriers facing voters in Indian Country.
Eligible voters living on reservations or Indian lands may use nontraditional residential addresses. Tribes may designate government buildings for voter registration addresses, in alignment with precinct requirements.
Tribal identification is accepted for voter registration and at voting centers even without an expiration date or residential address.
Federally recognized tribes with reservations may also request ballot drop boxes on their reservations.
Q: Can I vote if I have a felony conviction?
- Yes, if you meet Washington’s general eligibility requirements and are no longer incarcerated for a felony conviction, voting rights are automatically restored upon release from prison.
You must register again, even if you were previously registered. You do not need to complete probation, pay outstanding legal financial obligations, or obtain a certificate of discharge.
Register to vote online at VoteWA.gov.
Q: Are Native candidates running in Washington this year?
- Yes! Native candidates appearing on the November ballot include:
Maria Littlesun, Skokomish, running for State Representative in the 35th Legislative District, Position 2.
Debra Lekanoff, Tlingit, running for State Representative in District 40.
Claudia Kauffman, Nez Perce, running for State Senate in District 47.
Chris Stearns, Navajo, running for State Representative in District 47.
Jennifer White, Makah, running for Clallam County Treasurer.
Renee Hernandez Greenfield, Cochiti Pueblo, running for State Representative in District 26.
Candidates on your ballot will depend on where you live. Visit VoteWA.gov to see your candidates and read the voters’ pamphlet.
Q: What if I need help?
- Contact your county elections office or call Washington’s voter information hotline at 1-800- 448-4881.
You can also reach out to Native Vote Washington through any of our social media channels, or you can contact our Director, Zara Stevens, at zara@waconservationaction.org or (206) 631-2612.
Voting is your choice. Make a plan, learn about your candidates, and exercise your right to participate.
Native Vote Washington’s mission is to foster full participation of Native communities in the democratic process by promoting civic engagement, advancing equitable representation, and cultivating Native leadership grounded in community values and Tribal sovereignty.
