Thurston Conservation District Elections FAQs

  • Why are Conservation District elections different than other county elections? Our Elections processes are dictated by our governing law (RCW Chapter 89.08) and the procedures established by the Washington State Conservation Commission:

“When created in 1939, the Commission was also given the responsibility for establishing District election procedures. “The Commission shall establish procedures for elections, canvass the returns and announce the official results thereof.” RCW Chapter 89.08.190. Because District election authority resides in RCW Chapter 89.08, this sets them apart from other divisions of government whose elections are governed by RCW Chapter 29A. District elections do not fall under the state statute for general elections (Title 29A RCW) unless specifically identified in the Conservation Commission statute. In fact, RCW 29A.04.330(1)(b) specifically exempts conservation districts from general and special elections requirements, relying instead of election procedures established by the Conservation Commission.”

If you have concerns or feedback, the Commission has a feedback form on their website
https://www.scc.wa.gov/cd/elections-administrators

  • Can I get my ballot from the Auditor’s Office? No. You can request your ballot from Thurston CD. Thurston CD hires temporary staff trained by the Thurston County Auditor who are handling all ballot requests and will serve as polling officers. No permanent Thurston CD staff will be handling ballots at any point. You can request an absentee ballot to be sent to your mailing address via phone or email beginning February 2, 2026 through March 10, 2026 at 4:30pm or in person March 11-17 during business hours. Polling officers can be reached at: (564) 669-4929, ballotrequest@thurstoncd.com, or  582 Tilley Court SW, Suite 152, Tumwater, 98501.
  • How do I return my ballot? All ballots must be returned via USPS with the pre-stamped and addressed envelope provided with you ballot. Ballots must be postmarked by the day of the election, March 17, 2026. Postage is provided on all ballots.
  • How are you ensuring security in your election? TCD hires temporary election specific staff trained by the Thurston County Auditor’s office to ensure their ability to administer a secure election. These staff will receive ballot requests, fulfill those requests, and process returned ballots. These staff will also serve as polling officers during the election. No permanent TCD staff will handle or count ballots to ensure security. Members of the public are invited to join us as public observers of the polling process and ballot counting if they so choose.
  • Can I vote in person? As in past years, we are holding a mail-in-only election in 2026. This means there will be no in-person polling site on election day. This also means we’re asking voters to request their ballot either via email to ballotrequest@thurstoncd.com OR by calling (564) 669-4929. In person ballot requests can be made the week before the election (March 11-13 & March 16-17) at the TCD Offices (582 Tilley Court SW, Suite 152, Tumwater, 98501).
  • When will the results of the election be announced? Preliminary election results will be shared on the Thurston CD website by March 27, 2026. Election results will be certified by the Washington State Conservation Commission at their May meeting and will be finalized then.

Additional Questions? Contact the Election Supervisor

Susan Shelton
Finance & Admin Manager
Election Supervisor
accounting@thurstoncd.com