Whatcom County trains election observers on ballot handling, signature checks and security

Whatcom County Auditor Stacy Henthorn and election staff held an observer training explaining how the county processes returned ballots, conducts pre‑ and post‑election audits, and protects ballot integrity.

The training, presented by Election Supervisor Becca Rouse with participation from Chief Deputy Auditor Amy Graysher, described a 12‑step ballot‑processing workflow that begins with collection of returned ballots and ends with tabulation and reporting of results. The session covered in‑person observation rules, the county's envelope sorting and signature‑verification process, scanning and adjudication of ballots, hand counts and risk‑limiting audits, and security controls for tabulation equipment and storage.

Why it matters: The training sets expectations for members of the public, political parties and media who observe ballot processing, clarifies how Whatcom County verifies voter signatures and resolves rejected ballots, and explains safeguards used to prevent tampering or premature release of results.

The county described two observation options: attend in person at the Election Center, Suite B03, during designated ballot processing hours (typically 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday–Friday from when ballots are mailed until certification) or view five livestream webcams available 24/7 from the logic‑and‑accuracy test through certification. In‑person observers sign an oath, log time in/out, wear an observer badge, and must remain in designated observer areas. Observers may ask questions of supervisory staff but must not…