Early Voting Concerns: Older Voters Outpace Youth in Yakima County

As polling places across the United States open their doors today, ballots have already been in the hands of Washington voters for weeks. Yakima County residents received their ballots well ahead of Election Day, with mailing sent out on October 18.

IF YOU'VE WAITED UNTIL TODAY TO VOTE

With just hours left to cast votes, Yakima County Auditor Charles Ross is encouraging residents to make their voices heard by returning their ballots to the auditor's office no later than 8:00 pm tonight. As of today, the county has seen 64,482 ballots returned, representing approximately 48% of the over 130,000 ballots issued to registered voters. Ross is optimistic about turnout, anticipating at least an 85% participation rate once all ballots are counted.

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YOUNG VOTERS AREN'T PARTICIPATING IN HIGH NUMBERS

However, a concerning trend is emerging statewide: early voting among younger voters appears to be lagging significantly. Statistically, voters aged 55 and older are participating at more than double the rate of those under 35. Many officials attribute this gap to a growing frustration with the political system, contributing to an 18% decline in early voting compared to the 2020 elections.

QUESTIONS? CONCERNS? ABOUT YOUR BALLOT

In response to the decline, Ross urges young voters to engage more actively in the electoral process. For those still unsure about their voting status or experiencing issues with their ballots, the Yakima County Auditor’s Office is available for assistance at 574-1340.

IF YOU NEED TO REGISTER YOU'LL HAVE TO DO IT IN PERSON

Eligible voters who have yet to register must do so in person at the Auditor’s Office by the deadline, with Ross warning that the lines may be long on Election Day. Additionally, he advises against using the postal service, as there is no guarantee that ballots dropped in blue mailboxes will be postmarked in time. Instead, voters are encouraged to utilize the secure Red Election Ballot Drop Boxes located throughout the county.

Statewide election night results can be found at the Secretary of State's Office website at;