Auditor Candidates Address Election Security

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  Three Republican candidates for Grant County Auditor provided responses to questions about election security and accessibility“EPHRATA — Three Republican candidates are running for the position of Grant County Auditor: incumbent Shannon Falstad and challengers Andrew Koeppen and Darci Homesley. To give readers a clear comparison of the candidates, each was asked the same question and provided an equal opportunity to respond by email. Homesley did not respond to requests for comment.”
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  The candidates were incumbent Shannon Falstad and challengers Andrew Koeppen and Darci Homesley“EPHRATA — Three Republican candidates are running for the position of Grant County Auditor: incumbent Shannon Falstad and challengers Andrew Koeppen and Darci Homesley.”
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  Shannon Falstad is the current auditor“EPHRATA — Three Republican candidates are running for the position of Grant County Auditor: incumbent Shannon Falstad and challengers Andrew Koeppen and Darci Homesley.”
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  Shannon Falstad noted that the Election Department's policies are secure and well-established“Having worked in elections, I can confidently say that the policies and procedures currently followed by the Election Department are secure and well-established.”
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  Shannon Falstad cited the use of live cams and public observation for transparency“The use of a live-cam and the opportunity for public observation provide transparency.”
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  Shannon Falstad highlighted that the number of ballot drop boxes has increased from four to 13 during her tenure“During my time in the Auditor’s office, there were only four drop boxes and today, there are 13, greatly expanding access for voters.”
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  Andrew Koeppen proposed a series of measures“To strengthen election integrity, I will: · Review ballot intake and processing procedures to reduce the time between ballot receipt and updates appearing in VoteWA, while maintaining security, accuracy, and chain of custody so voters receive timely confirmation that their ballot has been safely received. · Review ballot processing procedures to identify opportunities to report election results more quickly while maintaining accuracy. This will give voters a more timely understanding of election results while strengthening public confidence in the election process. · Evaluate additional cameras, 24/7 livestreaming where appropriate, improved public observation opportunities, and better accommodations for observers. · Review chain-of-custody procedures, physical safeguards, and documented controls that protect ballots throughout the election process. · Evaluate the number and locations of ballot drop boxes with the goal to improve voter access while maintaining appropriate security. · Within my first 100 days as Auditor, I will publish a public 100-Day Report Card detailing what was reviewed, improvements identified, actions taken, and recommendations for future improvements.”
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  Andrew Koeppen proposed reviewing ballot processing procedures“· Review ballot processing procedures to identify opportunities to report election results more quickly while maintaining accuracy.”
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  Andrew Koeppen proposed evaluating additional cameras“· Evaluate additional cameras, 24/7 livestreaming where appropriate, improved public observation opportunities, and better accommodations for observers.”
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  Andrew Koeppen proposed publishing a 10 naday Report Card within his first 100 days in officeNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Darci Homesley did not respond to requests for comment“Homesley did not respond to requests for comment.”
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  The candidates were asked the same question about ensuring elections remain secure, transparent, accurate, and accessible“In this installment, candidates were asked what they would do to ensure elections remain secure, transparent, accurate and accessible to voters.”