Time is rolling as November 5th is drawing closer and closer. Cultivating a special day for US citizens. On this day the Spokane County elections office, located on 1033 W. Gardner Ave, where a group of citizens gather together to count every ballot and signature. Eligible students at SFCC have the opportunity to participate in the 2024 elections.
Machines roaring and papers flying, each ballot is checked and double checked, but before the ballots can be counted they need to be signed, sealed, and delivered. Students with a busy schedule at SFCC recognize it can be hard to prioritize sending in a ballot .
“We know everybody’s busy, but you don’t have to make an appointment with yourself to set aside specific time to vote,” said Vicky Dalton, Spokane County Auditor. “You can do it as you have time.” To register to vote you can visit votewa.gov, call the elections office at (509) 477-6390, or visit the elections office in-person.
“There is no excuse a person could make that they didn’t have time to vote,” said Mike McLaughlin, Spokane County Elections Manager. “There is a time to do it…vote for what you think is important.” With computers at libraries, and the elections office’s resources at the click of a button it is becominging easier to vote in Washington State.”
“In the state of Washington, once you get registered to vote… it’s easy,” said Dalton
Every voter is vital to the future of the United States. “It’s really important for students to vote because this is your future,” said Dalton. “This is your opportunity to select those people who are going to make decisions that will impact the rest of your life. Do you wanna set the future, or do you wanna let somebody else decide what your future is? That’s what voting is about.”
Taking the time out of your day to vote can help the people around you see what you stand for, even if you are not eligible to vote in the upcoming 2024 election.
“Even if you can’t cast a ballot, do your research,” said Dalton. “Decide what you want [and] influence [the] people around you.”
Once you receive your ballot and you have now chosen who you will vote for, the final step is dropping it off. Ballots have prepaid postage, you can drop the envelope off at the post-office, or the white ballot drop boxes located in front of every public library, most city halls, and the STA plaza.
According to the Washington Secretary of States Voter Demographics in the 2020 election, Spokane County had a total of 297,104 ballots counted, and a total of 363,137 people registered to vote (more voting statistics can be found at https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20201103/spokane .)
“It’s important for everyone to be voting,” said McLaughlin.
Once you have turned in your ballot it will be counted and screened. When all the procedures are done your ballot has all the proper signatures and information your voice has been heard!
Be ready to vote from now until November 5th!
*Washington State voters guides are provided to every household, but if you haven’t received one visit sos.wa.gov for a free online voters guide.