Washington's 2022 Midterm Elections Kick Off Next Week: What To Know

WASHINGTON — Midterm ballots will start hitting mailboxes across Washington by the end of next week for nearly 4.8 million registered voters who will have until Nov. 8 to weigh in on federal, state and local races.

The 18-day voting period officially begins on Oct. 21 and Washingtonians will have until the end of the month to register or update their information online and by mail. In-person registration is possible in Washington up until the polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day. Drop boxes will open across the region soon after the first ballots are mailed.

Looking at federal races, Sen. Patty Murray is seeking a sixth term in the U.S. Senate and faces Republican challenger Tiffany Smiley. Several Democratic members of the U.S. House are also up for election this year, including Reps. Pramila Jayapal, Suzan DelBene, Kim Schrier, Derek Kilmer, Marilyn Strickland and Adam Smith.

Schrier's 8th District race is one that will be closely watched as she attempts to hold her seat against Republican challenger Matt Larkin. Strickland, the former mayor of Tacoma, is running for re-election for the first time, having secured her seat back in 2020. Derek Kilmer has held the 6th congressional district since 2013.

Another key race is for the Secretary of State, Washington's head of elections and the second in the line of succession for governor. Longtime Republican incumbent Kim Wyman stepped down late last year to accept an appointment in the Biden administration and Gov. Jay Inslee appointed Democratic state Sen. Steve Hobbs to fill the role. Hobbs is on the ballot seeking a full term, facing a challenge from Julie Anderson, the current Pierce County Auditor, who is running as a nonpartisan.

Most communities will also see state legislators on the ballot, and voters in some areas will see local ballot measures. Seattle voters will decide whether to move forward with one of two proposed voting systems: ranked choice or approval. King County voters will decide whether to move elections for county-level offices to even years, an effort designed to improve voter participation.

Here are some resources to prepare for the 2022 General Election:

King County

• Learn more about this election's candidates and ballot measures.
• Check if you're registered or update your personal information.
• Brush up on the important dates and deadlines to know.

Pierce County

• Register to vote
• Update my signature
• Online Voters' Guide
• Election At-A-Glance
• Drop Box Locations