Thurston County auditor seeks board approval to buy enhanced ballot duplication station

The Thurston County auditorads office asked the board for authority to purchase an enhanced ballot duplication station and associated licenses.

Details: Elections manager Tilly Polar told the board the purchase price for the ballot duplication station is $66,000 plus tax and shipping, and the vendor's subsequent annual license or service fee would begin at roughly $13,000 per year starting in 2027. The auditorads office said the purchase will be paid from County Fund 190 and that the equipment was scheduled for delivery later the same day; licensing obligations begin after the initial period indicated by the vendor.

Context and board response: Commissioners thanked the elections team for their work on recent elections and noted the office was also conducting a machine recount at the time of the meeting. No commissioner raised objections; staff said formal authorization documents would be signed that afternoon and the board would consider the purchase on the consent agenda.