A November 2023 research report examined trends and patterns in mailed ballot rejections in primary and general elections from 2012 to 2022. In addition, this report features insights from interviews and in-person observations with county auditors and election staff, as well as surveys and in-depth interviews with voters in Washington State who had their ballots rejected in a recent election. The report found:

  1. Overall, 1.5 percent of all primary ballots cast and 1.1 percent of general election ballots cast were rejected across elections from 2012 to 2022.
  2. A very small percentage of all ballots cast were rejected for missing a signature or having a signature that does not match what is on file – usually about 0.5 to 0.6 percent of all ballots cast.
  3. Roughly half of all ballots rejected in primary elections and in many general elections arrive late to county offices.
  4. There is evidence that voters of color often have higher ballot rejection rates than White voters. 5) Self-identifying male voters have slightly higher ballot rejection rates than self-identifying female voters in both primary and general elections.
  5. Younger voters have a much higher ballot rejection rate than older voters.
  6. In primary and general elections since 2020, about 60 percent of ballots with signature challenges (missing signature or mismatched signature) have been cured before county elections officials submit election results to the State.

The report concludes with recommendations for research, policy, and practice to reduce the number of rejected ballots, increase ballot cure rates, and improve the voter experience in Washington State

Download the full report:Rejected Mail Ballots Report