How to vote safely during the pandemic

OLYMPIA – With the increase of COVID-19 in the last few weeks, the Thurston County Auditor’s Office advises voters to take steps to vote safely and prevent the spread of the disease.

On September 19, 2020, our transmission rate was 30.8 cases per 100,000 people over 14 days. As of October 18, 2020, COVID-19 transmission rates in Thurston County have increased in the moderate transmission range to 72.8 cases per 100,000 people over 14 days and our rate continues to climb. We may see our transmission rates cross into the high activity level in our county soon.

Thurston County Health Officer Dr. Dimyana Abdelmalek stated, “Voting in an election is important for all residents to participate in. Using a ballot drop box or mailing in your ballot does not present a risk of spreading COVID-19. If you need additional voter services to facilitate voting, the drive-thru voting center at South Puget Sound Community College is a safe option.”

“We’re taking every precaution to keep our voters safe,” said Mary Hall, Thurston County Auditor. “Voters can take their steps to protect their health and participate in democracy.”

Voters can take the following steps:

• Voters returning ballots should use one of the 29 ballot boxes across Thurston County. A full list of boxes can be found here.
• Voters who need a replacement ballot should contact Thurston County Elections by phone (360.786.5408) or email (elections@co.thurston.wa.us) to have one mailed to them.
• Visit the Drive-Thru Voting Center at South Puget Sound Community College Mottman Campus for replacement ballots or voter registration. More information here.
• Please stay tuned for updates. Check in regularly at ThurstonVotes.org or subscribe at Facebook.com/TCAuditor or Twitter.com/TCAuditor.