Information for Voters

Signature challenges occur when a voter does not sign the back of the ballot return envelope or when the signature on the return envelope does not match the signature(s) in their voter registration record. Any voter with a signature challenge can fix the issue and have their ballot counted by filling out and returning a form to Douglas County Elections by 4:30 p.m.. before the day the election results are certified.

Cure Letters

We compare the signature on your return envelope to the signature on your voter registration record. Per state law, a ballot is only opened and counted if we can match it to the signature(s) in your registration record. Those with a signature that does not match are considered challenged and are held uncounted until the issue is resolved. Keeping your signature up to date with us can help you avoid an issue with your signature in the future. We encourage you to take a moment to fill out a Signature Update Form or Voter Registration Form so we can capture an updated signature for you.

Voter Registration Form         Formulario de Inscripción Electoral del Estado de Washington

Signature Update Form         Formulario Actualización de Firma

Sample of Signature Challenge Letter Mailed to Voters

Ejemplo de Carta de desafío de firma enviada a los/las votantes 

In addition, we also will notify you if you forgot to sign your ballot. Those with a missing are considered challenged and are held uncounted until the issue is resolved. If you returned your ballot, but forgot to sign the ballot declaration, please return the Missing Signature Form.

Missing Signature Form         Formulario por Falta de Firma

Contacting Voters

All voters who have their signature challenged are sent a letter that explains the issue and includes a signature challenge form along with a postage-paid return envelope they can use to return the form. The form can also be returned by email at elections@co.douglas.wa.us. If we have an email address or phone number on file, we will also reach out by email and via phone. Five days before the deadline, we will reach out to those who have not returned their Signature Resolution Form and an additional phone call, email and text alert to remind them of the upcoming deadline.

Make Sure Your Ballot Was Counted

You can always see whether or not your ballot has been counted by checking the Ballot Tracker tab on the VoteWA website.

Check Ballot Status 

Frequently Update Your Signature

The signatures in your voter registration record may be old and no longer accurate. Signatures can naturally change over time, so if the only signature in your voter registration record is a few years old it may no longer reflect your current signature. You can add a new signature to your voter registration record by filling out a voter registration form . If you have a Washington State driver's license or Washington State ID card, you can also update your registration online , which will add the signature from your driver's license or state ID card to your voter registration record.

What is a Signature Discrepancy

For every ballot that is returned during an election, Douglas County Elections staff compare the signature on the back of the return envelope to the signature(s) in the voter registration record for that voter. This process is required by Washington State law in order to make sure that the voter the ballot was mailed to is the voter who filled out and returned the ballot. Any ballot return envelope with a signature that does not match is flagged and reviewed by a second staff member before being challenged and set aside until the voter returns a signature challenge form.

Signature Training

In accordance with WAC 434-261-051, the Auditor's Office is required to publish the names of all canvassing board members who received training on the statewide standards for signature verification and the date(s) on which the training was completed. They must attend the training at least once every two years.

Douglas County Elections Community Outreach Plan: Signature Verification(PDF)

Elecciones Del Condado Dedouglas Plan de extension comunitaria: Verificación de firma (PDF)

Contact Us

If you have any more questions, please contact the Douglas County Elections Office.