Lopez Island, Washington Public Records

Washington State conducts elections entirely by mail, with ballot drop boxes available throughout San Juan County including on the island. Residents can register to vote online through the Washington Secretary of State's VoteWA portal at voter.votewa.gov, which allows new registrations, address updates, and voter status verification. The online registration deadline is 8 days before each election; mail-in registration must be received or postmarked by that same deadline. Washington allows same-day voter registration in person at county elections offices and voting centers through Election Day. Voters must be U.S. Citizens, Washington residents, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and not disqualified due to felony conviction (voting rights are restored in Washington upon completion of sentence). Washington does not require voter ID for registration or voting; signature verification on ballot return envelopes serves as authentication. Lopez Island is an unincorporated community without municipal government, so residents do not vote for city mayors or city councils; instead, they vote in county, state, and federal elections. San Juan County voters elect three County Commissioners serving four-year staggered terms, with elections in even-numbered years. Island residents also vote for county offices including Sheriff, Prosecuting Attorney, Assessor, Auditor, Treasurer, and Clerk, as well as special districts such as Lopez Island School District Board of Directors, San Juan County Hospital District, Library District, and Fire District. Local voters can look up their assigned ballot drop box locations, verify registration status, track ballot status, and view voters' pamphlets at voter.votewa.gov. Washington's Public Records Act makes certain election records publicly accessible: voter registration lists (excluding birthdates and full Social Security numbers) are available for purchase for political purposes; campaign finance disclosure reports are searchable at the Public Disclosure Commission website www.pdc.wa.gov; candidate filing information and declarations are available through the Elections Office; and precinct-level election results are published after certification at www.sanjuanco.com/auditor. In the November 2024 presidential election, San Juan County reported approximately 72% voter turnout with about 11,900 ballots cast from approximately 16,500 registered voters; Lopez Island precinct turnout was similarly high, reflecting San Juan County's consistently strong civic engagement. The November 3, 2026 general election will feature critical races for the area including: the U.S. Senate seat (Class III, currently held by Senator Patty Murray, term expires 2027, so not up in 2026; however, Class I seat currently held by Senator Maria Cantwell is up in 2024, not 2026), the U.S. House of Representatives for Washington's 2nd Congressional District (which includes San Juan County), the Washington State Senate for Legislative District 40, the Washington State House of Representatives for District 40 positions, and San Juan County Commissioner positions (District 2 or District 3 depending on the cycle). Washington does not have gubernatorial elections in 2026 (the Governor serves four-year terms with elections in 2024, 2028, etc.). Local ballot measures may address school levies, fire district levies, library funding, or county initiatives. All Washington voters receive vote-by-mail ballots automatically mailed 18 days before each election. Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day or deposited in official drop boxes by 8:00 PM on Election Day. San Juan County maintains ballot drop boxes at Lopez Island Village (outside the fire station), Fisherman Bay, Friday Harbor, Orcas Island, and other locations, accessible 24/7 during election periods. Voters can request replacement ballots, update addresses, or obtain assistance from the Elections Office during business hours.