Lacey urges election participation via National Voter Registration Day 

During its council meeting on September 3, Lacey officially designated September 17 as National Voter Registration Day.  

Deputy Mayor Malcolm Miller, on behalf of the City Council, issued a proclamation to promote voter registration and encourage civic participation ahead of the upcoming election season. 

“Lacey is committed to strengthening democracy by encouraging voter registration and increasing participation in all elections,” the proclamation read. 

The proclamation also acknowledges the importance of engaging community members in the democratic process, particularly through initiatives like Thurston County's “Urge Your Neighbors to Vote” challenge, which encourages regular voters to help their neighbors feel informed and empowered to vote. 

Thurston County Auditor Mary Hall attended the meeting to receive the proclamation and expressed her gratitude, emphasizing the importance of voter participation.  

“Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy, and it's a really simple process to register,” Hall said.  

She pointed out that eligible residents can register online at Thurston County’s website or at vote.gov, using either a driver’s license or the last four digits of their Social Security number. 

Hall also shared significant milestones in Thurston County's voter registration efforts, noting that the county has surpassed 200,000 registered voters.  “We have a very high voter registration percentage for voter-eligible people in the county,” she said.  

In addition, Hall encouraged early voter registration for young people turning 18 by Election Day, which falls on November 5.   “If they’re 17 today, they can still register as long as they turn 18 before Election Day,” she explained. 

Hall highlighted Washington State's accessible voting system, noting that all residents receive ballots by mail and can use one of 30 drop boxes across the county. Or they may visit one of the county's two voting centers, including one at the Lacey Library, which will open on October 28. 

Addressing concerns about election integrity, Hall reassured residents by citing a recently certified statewide recount, where the final results matched the original count, underscoring the accuracy of the process.  

“Democracy is really important, and it really ensures the quality of life that we have in this country,” Hall added.