New Ballot Processing Center ready for election night in Thurston County

The new Ballot Processing Center in Thurston County will process ballots for the Nov. 4 General Election, showcasing state-of-the-art security features. Auditor Mary Hall highlighted the facility's advanced measures, such as reinforced access and a glass-encased ballot room. The $8. 2 million center is twice the size of the previous facility, alleviating overcrowding issues.

Designed with input from the Department of Homeland Security, the center aims to enhance both safety and operational efficiency. An observation corridor allows visitors to witness the ballot processing in real time, with updates displayed on reader boards. Funding was sourced from the Public Safety Sales Tax and federal grants, including those from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program. The facility's completion represents a significant investment in secure and transparent election processes. This upgrade is crucial as the region faces a series of competitive political contests.