Elections FAQ

Can someone know how I voted? 

No, the choices you make on your ballot are private. Once we verify the signature on your return envelope, your ballot and security sleeve are separated from the return envelope and shuffled, so we do not know which ballot belongs to which voter. We keep track if you returned a ballot for each election, NOT how you voted in each election.

 I’m concerned about my privacy. What is the safest way to return my ballot?

There are many laws and regulations in place regarding transportation of ballots within the United States Postal System. However, if you are worried about your ballot we recommend using one of our designated ballot drop boxes. Boxes are emptied by election staff and transported in sealed containers directly to our ballot processing center.

Are there laws in Washington regarding ballot harvesting (people collecting voted ballots and NOT returning them)?

No, not at this time. It is the voters’ responsibility to return their ballot to the Auditor’s Office. If they choose to give their ballot to someone to return it, it is their choice.

Can anyone propose an initiative or referenda to be placed on a ballot?

Yes, the initiative and referendum process gives voters the right to legislate. The Initiatives and Referendum Handbook is a manual designed to guide citizens through the process. Go to the Initiative and Referendum page to find more resources.

How can I learn more about legislation that affects the election process?

The Citizen Election Advisory Committee (CEAC) typically meets once a year. The Auditor briefs the committee on proposed legislation and the members of CEAC discuss how the legislation might affect citizens. These meetings are open to the public and you can learn more about the committee here.

Can the election be rigged?

In Washington State, we vote on paper ballots which provide an auditable paper trail.  When ballots are issued and sent to voters, there is a unique ballot identification (ID) number and ballot style number associated with the return envelope.  A return envelope with the voter’s signature is required for the ballot to be accepted and counted.  Any attempt to replicate or submit ballots without a signed return envelope would not make it past the beginning steps of ballot processing.

Elections are managed by nonpartisan, professional, certified election officials. Audits, independent observation, and segregation of duties would not allow “rigging” to go undetected.

While ballots are being handled, work is monitored on site by observers representing the interests of affiliated and unaffiliated voters.  In addition, live webcams are also available to view the process from your computer or phone. 

The Logic and Accuracy test, post-election audits, and any required recounts all verify the accuracy and integrity of our tabulation system.

How do we protect against cyber threats?

 The Auditor’s Office uses multiple layers of defenses to protect against cyber threats.

The ballot tabulation system and equipment is never connected to the internet or other networks. The tabulation equipment sits in a secured cage that requires two full-time elections employees to access.  Door and seal logs, exposed network cables, and video surveillance add another layer of security. The tabulation system is password protected, and USB port locks further prevent unauthorized access.

Other non-ballot counting equipment is protected by various network security tools including “Albert Sensors.”  Albert sensors are passive network traffic monitoring devices that look for known cyber threats as they try to enter the county network.  Staff monitor for albert sensor alerts 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Whatcom County Auditor is also a member of the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing Analysis Center. The EI-ISAC is partnered with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. EI-ISAC provides cybersecurity briefings, training, assessments, and resources to member counties.