Amid increased surveillance at county elections offices, auditors throughout Washington state continue to urge voters to submit their ballots via an Official Ballot Drop Box↗️ prior to the 8 pm Nov. 3 deadline. 

Additional security is being provided by members of the National Guard in counties where auditors accepted an offer from Gov. Ferguson earlier this week to supplement county staff with Guard personnel dressed in civilian clothing.

As of late Tuesday, seven counties — King, Snohomish, Pierce, Clark, Thurston, Lewis and Island — had accepted Ferguson’s offer, according to the governor’s office.

Ferguson identified the security detail as “Election Neighborhood Watch personnel” who are “inconspicuously” monitoring ballot drop boxes or other high-traffic areas where voting is occurring.

The governor said the added personnel will not interact with ballots or voters dropping off their ballots, but they would serve “as eyes and ears on the ground,” ready to coordinate with local authorities in case of problems.

Auditors reminded voters that mailing their ballots at this date is not wise as postal delays could lead to a late arrival, invalidating a ballot. Auditors also remind voters to sign their ballots.

Voters are encouraged to ensure their ballots have been accepted by elections officials by going to VoteWA.gov↗️, where they can view the status of their ballot.  Voters can also sign up to receive a text informing their ballot has been accepted.