Olympia proclaims Sept. 16 National Voter Registration Day; Thurston County reports high turnout

The Olympia City Council on Sept. 9 read and adopted a proclamation recognizing Sept. 16, 2025, as National Voter Registration Day and encouraging eligible residents to register. Jack Mongeon, Thurston County election technician, spoke to the council about registration options and local turnout statistics.

Mongeon said Thurston County surpassed 200,000 registered voters last year and that Olympia had 38,591 registered voters; in the previous November general election, 31,786 Olympia voters returned ballots, a turnout he described as 82.4 percent of Olympia’s registered voters. Mongeon outlined eligibility rules—U.S. citizenship, Washington residency and being 18 by election day—and explained registration methods including online registration at VoteWA.gov, mail, in-person at the county Voter Services office in Tumwater, and at voting centers during elections. He also noted that 16- and 17-year-olds may pre-register and will receive ballots once they reach eligibility.

Council members praised the county’s outreach and repeated that voter registration is “the cornerstone of our democracy.” Mayor Dante Payne signed the proclamation on behalf of the council. The council and speakers urged continued efforts to raise registration and turnout and reminded residents that Washington state offers same-day registration and multiple voting access options.

No regulatory changes were proposed during the discussion; the presentation was informational and ceremonial.