Yakima Republicans Introduce Ballot Pickup Hotline to Aid Voters

The Yakima County Republican Party has started a new service in the valley that could be a first in the state and possibly the country. It's called the Ballot Pickup Service Hotline.

THE PARTY CHAIR SAYS THE PARTY WANTS EVERY REPUBLICAN VOTE COUNTED

Party Chair Matt Brown says the party last year decided to get more aggressive in collecting ballots, or ballot harvesting. Brown says Yakima voters can simply call 1-800-257-9434 to have their ballot picked up to be delivered to the Yakima County Auditor's Office. Brown says the party is dedicated to "making sure every republican vote is counted."

TRAINED VOLUNTEERS OPERATE THE PROGRAM

Brown says the Ballot Pickup Service is designed to help voters who have difficulty getting their ballots to the Yakima County Auditors Office. He says the team of "dedicated volunteers" will pick up ballots and make sure they get to the "appropriate" drop-off locations.

YOU CAN TRACK YOUR BALLOT AFTER IT'S PICKED UP BY THE SERVICE

Once you call and schedule a time for a ballot pickup you can track your ballot at votewa.gov to make sure your ballot is counted. Brown says the party is committed to security. He says volunteers are trained to handle ballots with the "utmost care and integrity" making sure your ballot is delivered safely and securely.

THE YAKIMA COUNTY AUDITOR SAYS THE NEW SERVICE IS LEGAL

Yakima County Auditor Charles Ross says there's nothing illegal about the new service that he says he supports. Ross says "anything that makes it easier for people to vote is fine with me as long as it is legal."
Need your ballot picked up this voting season? Contact the Yakima Ballot Pickup Service Hotline 1-800-257-9434.
For more information check the website yakimacountyrepublicans.com.