This mini-series is a collection of stories “pre-bunking” misinformation and disinformation ahead of the 2024 election. The series will continue to explore the democratic process in Whatcom County.
Written by Isaac Stone Simonelli
Did you vote by mail? Experts say it’s safe and secure
Confidence in Washington vote-by-mail system remains high, according to new poll
Part one: Washington voters have been dropping their ballots in mailboxes for nearly two decades and the process has proven to be accurate and secure, experts say.
Meet Washington’s robust voter registration system
In the case of name changes, moves, deaths, felonies — the auditor makes the necessary updates
Part two: The Washington State Voter Registration Database was launched in 2006, creating a more efficient system for identifying duplicate registrations, deceased voters and incarcerated voters convicted of a felony. Because of this constant flux in registration records, it’s necessary for the state to have a robust verification system in place.
Secure election system in Whatcom County open to voters
Auditor focused on ensuring confidence in valid results
Part three: In an election entangled by polarizing rhetoric and concerns about the future of democracy, Whatcom County Auditor Stacy Henthorn said she wants to focus on the positives: a secure local election process that will produce valid results.
Whatcom County Auditor’s office conducts hand count to ensure election integrity
Employees check to see if paper ballots match electronic tabulation system
Part four: Less than 48 hours after the primary election, Whatcom County Auditor’s Office employees Kellye Conner and Laura Bauthues sat at a table in the basement of the county courthouse, gamely hand-counting six batches of ballots. Conner and Bauthues were conducting the county’s hand count, a random check on ballot counting equipment as required by state law.
When it comes to voting, your signature matters
Election staff look for at least three similarities to confirm match
Part five: A voter’s signature is the key that unlocks their ability to participate in the democratic process in Washington state. The signature is designed to do two things: to affirm the ballot is coming from the voter and assert that the voter meets the qualifications to vote.