County auditor signs amicus brief on voter‑roll rules, explores voluntary pet licensing

Mason County Auditor Steve Dunkel told the Board of Commissioners he signed on, with concurrence from the county prosecutor and chief deputy prosecutor, to an amicus brief filed with the Washington State Supreme Court asking for clarification on how county auditors should conduct voter‑registration maintenance in light of a consent decree entered last year by Secretary of State Steve Hobbs.

Dunkel said the consent decree arose from litigation by the Washington State Alliance for Retired Americans and that auditors face ambiguity in verifying addresses and maintaining voter rolls under that decree in combination with other federal and state laws. He said he joined Kittitas County Auditor Bridal Elliott in asking the Supreme Court for guidance on when and how to conduct maintenance of voter rolls.

Dunkel also reported that he and members of his licensing team visited Snohomish County’s auditor office to study its pet‑licensing program. He said the Auditor’s office can offer voluntary pet licensing and fulfill the sheriff’s responsibility for licensing dangerous animals without increasing staff. Dunkel said he will share Snohomish County’s ordinance and Shelton City’s licensing ordinance with the board and follow up with details for possible local implementation.

No formal board action was recorded during the report; Dunkel said he will keep the commissioners posted on any court response and on further work related to pet licensing.