Olympia encourages citizens to register to vote; 16 and up can pre-register

Olympia’s American citizens aged 16 and up can now pre-register to vote, Thurston County Auditor Mary Hall announced at the Olympia City Council meeting on Tuesday, September 20.

Olympia joined other local governments in observing September 20, 2022, as National Voter Registration Day through a proclamation signed during the meeting.

National Voter Registration Day aims to create awareness of elections and motivate eligible citizens to vote in the coming months.

Hall thanked the city council for the proclamation, saying, "your efforts helped us increase awareness of the importance of registering and participating in the democratic process."

"Voting is a cornerstone of our democracy, but you can't vote if you are not registered," Hall added.

Currently, there are 194,000 registered voters in Thurston County.

Hall said their goal is to get young people to register. "We only have about 70% of 18 to 24 years old registered to vote."

According to Hall, the county is now allowing pre-registration for young people. "When they turn 18, they automatically receive a ballot..

"All you need is your driver's license or the last four of your social security number – if you don't have a driver's license," she said.

Meanwhile, Olympia encouraged all eligible city residents to register to vote.