A small percentage of 2023 returned ballots are on hold for missing or mismatched signatures (the most common reason for ballot rejection). They cannot be counted until the issue is fixed. That is partly what the Auditor’s office does during the 3 week election certification process – they try to resolve ballot issues so that your vote counts! While the County Auditor will certify Kittitas County results on November 28th, the Secretary of State will certify state results on 12/7/23.
Sadly, it looks as though decisions on our local special districts (fire, hospital, water, school board, city council) will be made by a third of eligible voters, with nearly two thirds sitting out the election cycle.
2023
Uncertified returns show a disappointing 34.21% ballot return. How does that compare to the last odd-year election?
Let’s take a look…
2021 Election
The 2021 (most recent odd-year election before this year) the number of ballots sent remained the same (30,177). The turnout rate in 2021 was 41.38%, seven points higher than this year. Sadly, the lowest turnout by age, is the under 25 years old cohort with only 13% returning their ballots. Also of concern is the 2.9% ballot rejection rate for Kittitas County, most often for missing or mismatched signatures.
2024 could prove pivotal to our democracy. Failing to vote is not a protest, it’s a surrender. Don’t be left out of our democratic process. Be A Voter and Vote in every election for which you receive a ballot!