WASHINGTON — This week, ahead of elections, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson wrote a letter to all county election auditors offering up the National Guard to monitor ballot boxes.
“These National Guard personnel would inconspicuously monitor ballot drop boxes or other high-traffic areas where voting occurs to ensure that Washington voters can safely exercise their right to vote and that their ballots are secure. Election Neighborhood Watch personnel would not be in uniform and would not interact with voters dropping off their ballots. They would serve as eyes and ears on the ground and would be available to immediately coordinate with local authorities in the event of any issues,” Ferguson’s letter said, in part.
The move comes after white powder was sent to the Secretary of State’s office last week, and as the FBI continues to search for the person who set ballot boxes on fire two years ago.
“I thought it was just a terrible direct attack on democracy. It was heartbreaking,” said Clark County auditor Greg Kimsey about the fires that were set in two ballot boxes in Vancouver as well as one in Portland in October of 2024.
One of the Vancouver fires destroyed about 500 ballots. Although all but 15 voters received replacement ballots, Kimsey said.
“We don’t want to ever see that happen again, which again is why we are so grateful for the governor’s offer, and we’re pleased to accept it.”
Voter Jose Laraque told KIRO 7 he likes the idea but has concerns.
“I think whenever you have anything that looks military-wise or police wise that can discourage people- so, as I said, double-edged sword,” Laraque said.
But under the plan, troops would only monitor ballot drop boxes. They’d coordinate with police if they see something suspicious or an emergency.
The troops would not be in uniform, carry arms, or interact with voters.
“They are just extra eyes and ears out at our 101 drop boxes across King County in this election,” said Halei Watkins, spokesperson for the King County Election’s office.
She says it’s one additional step to keep your ballot safe.
“All of our ballots are brought directly back here to our one centralized facility where they are then processed all the way through certification under the watchful eye of observers, 80 security cameras, and 14 live-stream cameras that folks can watch us from home,” Watkins said.
She stresses your ballot, from the box to the elections office, is never left alone with one person. The elections office is secure. The system used to count your vote is completely disconnected from the internet.
Even though Washington is a vote-by-mail state (the US Postal Service recommends putting your ballot in the mail at least one week prior to election day), Watkins encourages voters to use a drop box. She insists the boxes are secure. Ballots are picked up every night to be delivered to election headquarters.
You can drop off ballots until 8 p.m. on election night.