Want to help set a new odd-year turnout record in Tuesday’s primary? Vote by 8 p.m.
Thurston County’s Tuesday primary turnout rate stood at 16.5%, just a percentage point less than record turnout at this time in 2021, County Auditor Mary Hall said Monday.
Turnout in odd-year primaries — when smaller governmental bodies such as cities, schools and fire districts choose representatives and consider issues — is much lower than other years, Hall said.
But numbers are on track to hit 30%. The odd-year election in 2021 saw the highest turnout since 2009, at 31.93%. More than 50% of ballots come in on or after Election Day, she said.
Hall said the current numbers for this year don’t include weekend dropbox traffic, which was “decent.”
Districts with highest percentage turnout so far include McLane Black Lake Fire District at 19% and the Port Commissioner District 1 race for Joe Downing’s seat, currently at 18%.
Yelm is seeing a lower turnout rate than other areas.
Though the numbers appear low, Hall said they’re on par, if not a bit higher, than previous years. However, she said these elections are more consequential than people realize, and she encourages people to vote if they haven’t.
Ballots were mailed out in mid-July, and there are 29 secure ballot drop boxes around the county, viewable on the auditor’s website. Thurston County residents can get a replacement ballot or vote with an accessible device at the auditor’s voting center at 2400 Evergreen Park Drive SW. Voters also can register to vote or update current registration in person until 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Need help deciding who to vote for? The Olympian has also compiled an online resource and endorsement guide for the primary.
“These are our local leaders,” Hall said. “Really the decisions they make affect us a lot more than somebody back in Washington, D.C. Their effects are much more immediate.”
This story was originally published July 31, 2023 at 6:32 PM.
