Letter from the Auditor
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A Letter from the Auditor Dear Benton County Voters, I’m pleased to present the 2021 Benton County Local Voters’ Pamphlet! This fall you are going to have an opportunity to shape the future of our community by participating in the election process. You will be voting on races and measures that affect you, your family, and your neighborhood. When you vote, you have a direct say in our government at the local, state, and federal level. This pamphlet is designed as a reference tool to help you make informed decisions. Inside you’ll find useful information about voter registration, deadlines for returning your ballot, instructions on marking your ballot, and ballot drop box locations. This pamphlet also includes candidate statements and pro and con committee statements for ballot measures. Benton County will be sending every eligible household in the county a copy of this guide. In addition to a candidate statement and photo, candidates are given the opportunity to submit a video for the Online Voters’ Guide. Please note that we do not make edits or corrections to any statements or candidate videos. Your participation in the Primary Election will help determine which candidates in several local races will advance to the General Election, but not all jurisdictions have a primary. Races in which two or fewer candidates filed for the position will advance directly to the General Election. To be eligible to vote in a primary in any given jurisdiction, you must be a registered voter and live in the participating district. We want to help every eligible person register to vote and every registered voter receive their ballot. The earlier the Elections Division is contacted by individuals who need a replacement ballot, want to register to vote and receive a ballot, or have related issues, the more options there will be available to provide assistance. You can call us at (509) 736-3085, send an email to elections@co.benton.wa.us, visit our website – www.bentonelections.com, or come in to one of our offices at: Benton County Voting Center, 2610 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Richland Auditor’s Office, Benton County Courthouse, 620 Market St., Prosser, WA Both offices are open each weekday from 8:30am-4:30pm, and on Election Day from 8:30am -8:00pm. The Benton County Election Department is dedicated to assisting all voters, candidates, and jurisdictions in the election process while ensuring elections are conducted securely, accurately, and transparently in compliance with the laws of the State of Washington. I hope you find this Voters’ Pamphlet useful, and of course, do not hesitate to contact my staff or me with any questions.
Brenda Chilton Benton County Auditor