‘Every vote counts’

MOSES LAKE — Voting for the upcoming general election begins in less than a month, with voting starting Oct. 18.  

“If you don't vote, your voice absolutely will not be heard,” Grant County Republican Party Chair Andrew Koeppen said. “If you vote, if we can get 100% of the people out to vote, then your voice will be heard, and that's why I'm encouraging everybody to vote.” 

Both Koeppen and Grant County Democratic Party Chairman Steve Starr agree that it is crucial for residents to register to vote as the registration deadline approaches Oct. 28 for mail and online registration.   

“You owe it to your country," Starr said. “This is a civic responsibility for being an American. It is such a small amount of time and effort it takes to become familiar enough with the issues to vote once a year, and for the big elections, it's every other year."

Starr said lack of voter participation is dangerous for democracy and encouraged everyone to make sure their voice is heard. 

"Even if you're a Republican, I urge you to vote,” Starr said. 

According to Grant County auditor Michele Jaderlund, one method for registering is available online at VoteWa.gov. Individuals without a Washington driver’s license, permit or ID can utilize the last four digits of their Social Security number. The online registration process consists of six straightforward questions, covering essential information such as name, address, birthday and contact details. The process takes about 10 minutes to complete.  

Koeppen said voters need to be aware of timing and making sure their votes will be counted. Voters mailing their ballots should plan to do so early. Ballot envelopes must be postmarked Nov. 5 or earlier to be counted. Because mail drop boxes are collected locally then sent to a regional U.S. Postal Service facility for postmarking, envelopes dropped off on Election Day or possibly a few days before may not be counted.  

To ensure your ballot is counted, voters can go into the Post Office and ask for it to be postmarked locally. However, it may be preferable to drop your ballot off at an actual ballot drop box. 

“There have been so many people who have given their lives for (Americans) to vote,” Koeppen said. “That they are — if they haven't registered to vote — they're basically disrespecting not only the people who died to give them the right to vote, but also the blood, sweat and tears of those who have died to get here, like the legal immigrants and the naturalized citizens.” 

Jaderlund said another option involves downloading the Washington Voter Registration Form from sos.wa.gov/elections/voters. After printing and filling out the form, it can be mailed to the respective county elections office. For Adams County, the elections office is at 210 West Broadway Street, Ritzville, WA 99169. Grant County voters should send their registrations to: Attn: County Auditor, PO Box 37, Ephrata, WA 98823.

“We really should care as to who's representing us,” Starr said. “Who are in these elected offices, and are they competent? Or are they there on some kind of social agenda or something. It makes a big difference in our daily lives.” 

Lastly, Jaderlund said residents may register in person at any driver licensing office. Those aged 16 and 17 can pre-register while applying for their driver’s licenses. In Grant County, the Ephrata Driver Licensing Office and Moses Lake Driver Licensing Office provide registration opportunities.  

Election Day is set for Nov. 5, and online and mail methods of registration will close after Oct. 28. Check registration status at VoteWa.gov is advised to ensure eligibility. After Oct. 28, those wishing to register will have to do so in person. 

“Elections have consequences,” Starr said. “It does matter who the president is. A lot of people think it really doesn't matter that much. It really does matter. This election is a big one.” 

In Grant County only 35.5% of voters participated in the primary election this year. In Adams County that number was only 31.5%.  

“Well, every vote counts. Everybody needs to be registered to have their voice heard,” Jaderlund said. “They need to register to vote; they can do it online or they can come into our lobby and use our kiosk to register to vote, or they can come into our office and register to vote.”