County joins National Voter Registration Day

To boost country-wide efforts to raise awareness of voter registration, the Thurston Board of County Commissioners proclaimed September 19 as National Voter Registration Day.

“We're pretty fortunate here in Thurston County to have a very secure voter process,” said Commissioner Gary Edwards. “Don't be disheartened by those that might say your vote isn't worth it. Your vote is very much worth it.”

According to Thurston’s Auditor-Elections Office, there are currently some 196,000 registered voters in Thurston County.

“Our biggest goal in voter registration is reaching the young people,” Thurston County Elections Manager Tillie Naputi-Pullar said, who added that only about 70% of 18- to 24-year olds are registered to vote in the county comparing that to about 90% of all other age groups.

Naputi-Pullar added that the county is partnering with Timberland Regional Library to empower voters to urge their neighbors to vote starting in October.

“We're challenging frequent voters to lend their knowledge to encourage those that are infrequent voters, bridging the gap to create a more informed electorate,” she said.

Assistant Library Manager for the Olympia and West Olympia Timberland Libraries Anthony Rodgers said libraries throughout Thurston County will carry ballot party kits that voters can use to host their own events to encourage their friends and neighbors to vote.

“Libraries are essential tools in empowering informed voters ensuring that our democracy thrives through knowledgeable and engaged citizens,” said Rodgers.

Participation of voters serves as an entry to the “Thurston County Urge your Neighbors to Vote” challenge, which will be launched in October. The jurisdiction with the most participants per registered voter will win.

“It's something that I think everybody should support regardless of your political beliefs, it's a good thing for our community,” said Commissioner Tye Menser.