OLYMPIA — The North Olympic Peninsula saw a higher number of registered voters participate in this year’s general election than did statewide.
The state saw a 71.83 percent voter turnout in the Nov. 6 general election.
In Jefferson County, 83.12 percent of registered voters cast ballots in the Nov. 6 election. It was third in voter turnout percentage — behind San Juan and Garfield — but has by far the largest number of registered voters, 25,411 compared to San Juan’s 13,392 and Garfield’s 1,6657. Jefferson County saw 21,121 voters cast ballots out of 25,411 who received ballots.
Clallam County’s voter turnout was 76.15 percent, with 40,110 ballots counted out of 52,674 provided to voters. The county was 12th in voter turnout statewide.
Statewide, the election drew more voters — 3,133,448 — than any other in the state’s history, according to the Secretary of State’s Office, which certified the general election last Tuesday.
The percentage of 71.83 of the 4.3 million registered voters who cast ballots in 2018 nearly topped the midterm record turnout of 71.85 percent set in 1970. Participation by 1,101 more voters would have set a new turnout record, the Secretary of State’s Office said.
The total number of votes cast was the third-most in state history, behind only the presidential elections of 2016 and 2012. According to U.S. Census Bureau estimates, about 60 percent of the total population of Washingtonians eligible to vote participated in the general election, which was among the nation’s top participation rates.
“This year’s excellent turnout shows how strongly Washingtonians engaged with the issues and races on the ballot,” Wyman said.
“To continue this trend in future elections, it’s vital to keep voters confident that their voices will be heard. We’ve done a great job creating an accessible and secure election system, but we’re constantly vigilant about the need to build upon those achievements.”
To register to vote, go to MyVote.wa.gov (weiapplets.sos.wa.gov/MyVote/#/login), fill out and mail a voter registration form on the Secretary of State website at www.sos.wa.gov or in person at county offices.
“Getting registered is a simple step an adult citizen can take to help decide how government is run,” Wyman said.
