BENTON CO. Wash. – The 2023 general election is over a week away. The Benton County Auditor‘s office would like to inform you of some last-minute tips for registering and voting.
Brenda Chilton, the Benton Co. Auditor said some common questions she’s getting are: can I still register to vote? The answer is yes, but the time to register online or by mail has passed. Chilton said you have to go into the office to register.
“You need to do it in person,” said Chilton. “Just go over to the voting center and we’ll get you set up.
The voting center is at 2610 N—Columbia Center Blvd. in Richland.
Chilton said if you need to make any changes, you must visit them in person.
According to Chilton, this is a local election and the one that’s closest to the community, so she encourages people to research the topics and candidates that relate to them.
“The votes they’re making are consistent with their values,” said Chilton. “It’s really the one time that you can have a voice in your local community.”
Estephanie Sanchez is a student at WSU Tri-Cities and the Director of Legislative Affairs. She said having that vote, that voice is essential.
“To have this opportunity and make it known that we do have a voice and that it doesn’t matter what background we come from,” said Sanchez. “We are being heard.”
Chilton said to cast your vote, look for ballot drop boxes around Benton County.
According to Chilton once your ballot is filled out, you put it in the box and you’re done. If you’re worried about the security of your vote, Chilton says there are security requirements they have to follow.
“When we empty drop boxes, we’re required to have two individuals and they’re required to sign off and seal those ballots in a secure container for transport to the voting center,” said Chilton.
Chilton said one of the topics her office has received the most questions about is the Public Safety Sales Tax.
“What we’ve been doing is encouraging folks to read the information in the voters” pamphlet,” said Chilton. “Contact their local officials involved in that and ask the questions.”
Sanchez said they will be hosting a voter registration event at WSU Tri-Cities like they did for last year’s election. She said their event will be all day starting November 7 from 8 am to 8 pm that night, the deadline for when ballots must be turned in.
“It’s called the voting hub,” Sanchez said. “We hosted it last year as well. So, it’s just an event that is open to all of our students, staff, faculty and community members. Allowing them to join us in casting our vote.”
Chilton said to make sure your signature on your ballot matches your driver’s license. If it doesn’t, they’ll give you a call to let you know to make sure your ballot is counted.
According to Chilton you can visit www.votewa.gov and sign up for text alerts about your ballot.
