When it comes to our signatures, most of us have changed the way we sign our names over time. As a teenager, maybe you dotted the “I” in your name with a heart. Or you got married and changed your name. Either way, our signatures change with the passage of time.
This week we sent out 13,570 letters asking registered voters to update their signatures with us. The letters were sent to voters whose signatures have changed over time and therefore a more current signature of record is needed.
Each election we compare the signature on a voter’s return ballot envelope to the signature from their voter registration file. Our team analyzes the voter’s handwriting, looking for indicators such as slants, strokes and spacing. By law, the signatures need to match for us to accept the voter’s ballot. This is why keeping your signature updated with us is so important.
A voter who receives a signature update letter this week has had their signature verified and their vote counted. However, our team has determined that the voter’s signature is beginning to look different from the one in their voter registration file. We recommend the voter updates their signature now to avoid any issues with their ballots in the future.
You can always voluntarily update your signature with us by completing this form. Questions? Call us at 206-296-VOTE (8683) or email us at elections@kingcounty.gov.
Election Connection 