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Signature Challenges
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, their signature may be challenged. Any voter with a signature challenge can fix the issue and have their ballot counted by filling out and returning a cure form to Cowlitz County Elections by 5:00 p.m. the day before the election is certified.
- Why is there an issue with my signature?
- How do I fix my signature challenge?
- How will i know my ballot was cured?
- How can I avoid a future signature challenge?
- Who can I contact for more information?
For more information on why the signature on your ballot was challenged, contact Cowlitz County Elections.
Most signature issues occur when:
- the signature on your ballot return envelope doesn't match the signature(s) in your voter registration record, or
- you forget to sign the ballot return envelope.
The fastest way to cure your challenged signature is to complete and return a Signature Cure Form. Cowlitz County Elections mails a cure form to every voter with a signature challenge on their ballot. We will also notify you via phone call and email if you have provided your contact information. If you signed up for text message ballot alerts, you will also receive a text that notifies you of the challenge.
You can return your Cure Form via fax, mail, email, or by visiting our office in person. The form must be received by Cowlitz County Elections by
5:00 p.m. the day before the election is certified. If printing a form, be sure to select the form that matches your signature challenge.
You can check your ballot status by logging into VoteWA.gov and selecting "ballot status". You can also sign up for text alerts by updating your voter registration at VoteWA.gov.
The best way to avoid a signature challenge in the future is to fill out and return a Signature Update Form. You can also update your signature on your voter registration record at any time by filling out and returning a Voter Registration Form.
Please contact Cowlitz County Elections with any questions.
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.
| Member Name | Training Date |
| Carolyn Fundingsland, Auditor | 6/27/2024 |
| David Berger, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | 6/27/2024 |
| Ryan Jurvakainen, Prosecuting Attorney | 7/18/2024 |
| Jason Laurine, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | 7/18/2024 |