In an effort to bolster voter confidence in the integrity of the election process, Pierce County Elections has unveiled a series of educational videos that take viewers on a step-by-step journey through the ballot's life cycle. These short clips aim to demystify what happens from the moment a voter casts their ballot to when it's finally counted.
Just in time for the upcoming Primary Election on August 5, the six-part video series tackles the A to Z of ballot handling, featuring everything from the initial secure collection to the nitty-gritty of ballot counting. "With the Primary Election coming up on August 5, this is the perfect time to learn how your vote is protected,” Pierce County Auditor Linda Farmer said, hoping that a transparent look into the process will foster more trust and, confidence in the electoral system.
The videos, each focusing on a different aspect of the election processing, cover secure ballot collection, sorting, signature checking, and more. The nitty-gritty of ballot opening and preparation for counting are also laid out, as well as the procedures for tabulation and resolution of any vote-related issues, demonstrating the checks and balances built into the system.
Pierce County Elections emphasizes the opportunity for public and official observers to monitor the elections, making sure everything's on the up and up. According to a statement from Pierce County's announcement, the videos highlight "Observers and Public Access" as a key component of ensuring transparency throughout the election process.
Produced by Pierce County Television with funding from the Office of the Washington Secretary of State and the federal Help America Vote Act, the entire playlist is available on the Pierce County Elections YouTube channel. Additionally, the videos will be shared through the Pierce County Auditor’s social media outlets and broadcasted on PCTV. Educational resources and the video series can also be found on the Pierce County Elections Education and Outreach page.
