A call to register, verify and vote

Angela Jefferson

As the Nov. 3 General Election quickly approaches, Thurston County residents have several opportunities to register to vote, verify their voter information and meet candidates before casting their ballots.

During our last NAACP Thurston County meeting, Dr. Thelma Jackson, our second vice president, highlighted upcoming voter engagement activities and urged community members to take seriously the power of participation.  Her message was clear: Do not assume you are ready to vote. Register, verify, learn and participate. 

Voter registration and training:  New Life Baptist Church is working with community partners to encourage voter participation. From Sept. 6 through Oct. 25, voter registration will be available following Sunday services at the Church.

Before the registration effort begins, the church will host a voter registration training session led by the League of Women Voters on Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The training is open to the public and to anyone interested in learning more about voter registration and how to help others navigate the process.

Dr. Jackson emphasized the importance of having knowledgeable people throughout the community, who can answer questions and help ensure eligible voters have accurate information.

 Don’t assume, verify: One of Dr. Jackson’s strongest messages was that voters should not assume their registration information is current. A change of address, a name change, haven’t voted in a while or other life changes may require voters to update or verify their information.

Register or update your registration online through the official Washington Secretary of State voter registration page⁠. Thurston County voters can also find local election information, registration resources and important deadlines through Thurston County Elections⁠.

The discussion then highlighted the importance of reaching Thurston County’s military community. Many service members and their family members may have questions about where to vote based on their residency. Check here: (VOTE411⁠)   

Meet the candidates: Community members will have an opportunity to meet candidates during a meet and greet on Oct. 10 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at New Life Baptist Church. The event is a partnership between NAACP Thurston County, New Life Baptist Church and League of Women Voters, all nonpartisan organizations.

The goal is to give voters an opportunity to meet candidates, ask questions and learn more about the people seeking public office. People are encouraged to review their voters’ pamphlets and pay attention to candidates’ statements. If something is unclear, Dr. Jackson said to ask candidates directly for clarification.

For additional nonpartisan voter information, including registration status and ballot information, voters can visit VOTE411⁠.

“We aren’t telling people how to vote,” Dr. Jackson said. “We’re just trying to make sure they vote and voice their opinion.” That distinction is important; an informed voter is empowered to make their own decisions. 

“We are the they”:  Perhaps the most powerful moment of Dr. Jackson’s remarks came as she addressed the frustration and discouragement many people feel about politics. People often say, "Why bother?" "My vote doesn’t count." "My vote doesn’t matter." "They’re going to do what they want to do anyway." Her response was direct: “We’re the they. We are the they!”

Government is not some distant institution disconnected from the community. The people elected to serve, from governor and attorneys general to county commissioners, city council members and school board directors.  They make decisions that affect our daily lives. People who hold these positions matter because their decisions will matter to us.  

How to participate: Dr. Jackson urged our members not to become overwhelmed by the constant barrage of news and the many issues facing the country. Find reliable information, ask questions and learn about the candidates and issues. Verify your voter registration, and then participate.

Did you know that in Washington state a criminal conviction does not automatically prevent someone from voting.  Those convicted of felony convictions may have their rights restored once they are no longer incarcerated. 

The voter engagement efforts underway in Thurston County demonstrate the importance of community partnerships. NAACP Thurston County, New Life Baptist Church and League of Women Voters are working together to make sure people are informed and engaged.  As election season moves rapidly forward, Dr. Jackson’s message remains timely: Register, verify, learn and participate.  

Angela Jefferson is a Tumwater City Council member and member of the NAACP of Thurston County, with a passion for social justice, civic engagement, education and local history.