SPOKANE, Wash. – On National Voter Registration Day, Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs highlighted the critical importance of registering to vote and ensuring election security.
Hobbs stressed that both presidential and local elections significantly impact daily life. He encouraged those who have not yet registered to take action today.
In Washington, the deadline to register online and by mail is October 27. In-person registration is available until November 4 at 8:00 p.m. at county elections offices. Meanwhile, Idaho’s preregistration deadline is October 24.
Addressing concerns about election security, Hobbs assured that elections have always been secure, transparent and accessible. He acknowledged past communication shortcomings but emphasized recent improvements.
Hobbs explained that election tabulators are disconnected from the internet. Officials are aware when voters pass away or attempt to vote in multiple states. He encouraged residents to visit county auditors’ offices to view election data firsthand.
He emphasized the importance of local elections, saying, “What’s really important has direct effect on your life is the local elections, your city council, your school board members, drainage, district commissioners, mosquito district commissioners, cemetery district commissioners. Those are all very important. And unfortunately, in those odd years, you have kind of a lower voter turnout. But it’s just as important that you participate in those elections.”
Hobbs reminded the public that once you vote, you can track it at votewa.gov.
