The Thurston County Auditor’s Office won five Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for standout programs that improved election security, expanded access to services and strengthened community trust, according to a county news release.
The NACo Achievement Awards recognize innovative and effective county programs that make a difference for residents.
“We work every year to improve how we serve our community,” Mary Hall, Thurston County auditor, said in the release. “We innovate because it helps us do better. These awards reflect the spirit of our office, always looking for better ways to work.”
The auditor’s office earned awards for the Elections Security Enhancement Program; the Saturday Passport Fairs; Voting Access at Your Library; Public Transit Partnership for Voter Access; and Your Neighbors, Your Elections.
Thurston County Elections launched a major security upgrade for its new Voting and Ballot Processing Center, using federal grant funds. The Elections Security Enhancement Program installed ballistic-resistant materials like bulletproof glass, doors and sheetwork to create a secure safe room for election staff. The office also added on-site law enforcement during elections and worked closely with local and federal agencies to assess threats and improve emergency plans.
To meet high demand for passport services, the auditor’s office held two Saturday Passport Fairs in 2024. These events helped over 70 people apply for passports and took more than 50 passport photos. They were designed for people who couldn’t make it during the week and helped reduce weekday wait times. The first fair included staff support from Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland’s office and the Seattle Passport Agency.
Thurston County Elections partnered with Timberland Regional Library to offer voter assistance at four library branches during the 2024 general election for the Voting Access at Your Library program. Trained library staff helped voters register and print replacement ballots, and election officials handled ballot collection.
For the Public Transit Partnership for Voter Access program, Intercity Transit extended bus service to the Voting Center past 8 p.m. on Election Day, improved Americans with Disabilities Act access and updated route maps to highlight voting locations. Elections staff also used Intercity Transit’s community vans to move between facilities, saving money and reducing parking issues.
To help build trust in elections, Thurston County created a video campaign called “Your Neighbors, Your Elections” featuring real election workers sharing why they care about their jobs. Filmed inside the Ballot Processing and Voting Centers, the short videos show staff pride and commitment to integrity.
