By Mary Coltrane, Voter Services Portfolio Director, LWV of Washington

We live in contentious times. Trust in election processes is under attack. What to do? Many Leagues in Washington state have developed new election observer programs or have beefed up their existing ones. The political parties typically send observers to watch election staff as they go through the process of collecting, organizing, and counting ballots—all the steps that go into this critical part of the election process. Many local Leagues do this important work as well. The Your Vote tabloid included an article on this process, “Volunteer Observers Bring Credibility to Elections.”

Those who participate in observing elections are quick to note what an amazing process it is. When questions swirl about this process, they can say with confidence that it’s a critical part of a free and fair election. How about your League? If you are interested in knowing how to set up an election observer program, local League experts are here to help.

Edri Geiger shepherded the Clark County League through the process of setting up an observer program, and Cynthia Stewart of the Tacoma-Pierce County League has done the same for Pierce County. They are both happy to talk with League members from other local Leagues who would like guidance on what to do. Please let me, Mary Coltrane, know if you’re interested and I’ll facilitate an introduction to these knowledgeable people.

Photo courtesy of King County Elections.