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Commissioners approve Department of Commerce grant to add AI‑enabled security software at election facility amid concerns
Summary
The board approved a $35,104 interlocal agreement funded by a Department of Justice grant for security camera software at a voter registration center; some commissioners and members of the public urged delaying approval until the vendor agreement and technical details are reviewed.
The Thurston County Board approved an interlocal agreement with the Washington State Department of Commerce to install security camera software at the county’s voter registration center using federal grant funding, after extensive debate about privacy and the scope of the technology.
The item—moved from the consent calendar for separate discussion—covers installation of AI‑enabled features including weapon detection; the board packet lists the grant amount for the installation at $35,104 and authorizes the auditor to execute the interlocal agreement and non‑exceeding amendments. Auditor Mary Hall (referenced by commissioners) urged the board to accept the grant to bolster election‑facility security.
Commissioner Carolina Mejia emphasized the funding is a Department of Justice grant and that the federal role is limited to grant compliance and audit oversight. Mejia said, "This technology is designed to identify potential threats of violence to staff and the public. It's not facial recognition. It is not used to identify voters and it's not used to monitor lawful political activity." She noted systems would remain under local control and that data is not shared except as required by law.
Commissioner Rachel Grant and Commissioner Emily Klaus said they were not comfortable approving the interlocal agreement without more time to review the vendor contract that defines how the cameras will be pointed, what is collected and how data is stored and shared. Klaus said the vendor agreement screenshots she saw suggested cameras could capture entries and parking areas; she requested the board defer the item one week or move it to a work session for additional review. Grant and Klaus voted against approval but acknowledged the auditor's stated security role.
Public commenters echoed concerns about transparency; one attendee alleged a county commissioner had removed a public video post and raised public‑records questions. Supporters of the grant said the cameras would improve safety for election staff and voters.
After discussion the board approved the interlocal agreement. The transcript records that the motion carried; the auditor will proceed with grant execution and staff said they would continue to provide vendor documentation to commissioners who requested it.
