Washington - Thurston County, Washington State
Program Title
Election Observer Program
Program Summary
During the 2020 General Election, the Thurston County Auditor's Office experienced a dramatic increase in inquiries regarding ballot processing. In response, during the 2021 elections, the Elections Division instituted an enhanced program for observers at the Ballot Processing Center (BPC).
Auditors are statutorily required to allow partisan observers. Our office requests observers for every election, yet historically there was very little participation. The Elections Division made extra efforts to get participation in the program. In addition to our regular written request for observers we made multiple phone inquiries explaining the importance of observers.
Non-partisan observers are also recruited through public communications, specifically press releases, social media posts and a full-page ad in the Voters' Pamphlet which is mailed to all households in the county.
Elections staff developed a new 90-minute training that covers all aspects of ballot processing and a robust observer manual. Training is required for all observers, is conducted at least annually, and is available on our observer webpage.
During the 2021 election cycle, the election division saw the largest and most consistent number of observers in the BPC, despite limitations on capacity due to the pandemic.
Auditors are statutorily required to allow partisan observers. Our office requests observers for every election, yet historically there was very little participation. The Elections Division made extra efforts to get participation in the program. In addition to our regular written request for observers we made multiple phone inquiries explaining the importance of observers.
Non-partisan observers are also recruited through public communications, specifically press releases, social media posts and a full-page ad in the Voters' Pamphlet which is mailed to all households in the county.
Elections staff developed a new 90-minute training that covers all aspects of ballot processing and a robust observer manual. Training is required for all observers, is conducted at least annually, and is available on our observer webpage.
During the 2021 election cycle, the election division saw the largest and most consistent number of observers in the BPC, despite limitations on capacity due to the pandemic.