Election observers key for voter security in November election

SPOKANE, WA — With the general election just a month away, the role of election observers is coming into sharper focus.

Election security has been a significant topic of discussion in recent years, and the integration of observers is designed to bolster public confidence.

This week, the Spokane County Elections Office is conducting training for election observers, who are tasked with monitoring each step of the election process. In Washington state, observers are appointed through political parties, campaigns, and candidates, a process that varies by state.

“Observers are an important part because they’re watching what we’re doing,” said Mike McLaughlin, elections manager at the Spokane County Elections Office. “They’re seeing all the processes and learning what we actually do here, such as signature verification and the counting of ballots, ensuring that every ballot is counted.”

The Spokane County Elections Office has trained over 200 individuals for this election cycle. McLaughlin noted that participating as an observer often serves as a stepping stone for those interested in future employment with the elections office.

Ballots for the general election will be mailed out starting October 9. The Spokane County Elections Office urges the public to return their ballots as soon as possible to avoid last-minute rushes and to ensure that every vote is counted.