The Urgency of Voter Registration
As we approach another pivotal election year, the importance of voter registration cannot be overstated. Our mission has always been to empower voters and defend democracy, and this begins with ensuring that every eligible citizen is registered and ready to vote.
Progress Made, But We Must Do More
Over the past decade, we’ve made significant strides in Yakima County. The percentage of unregistered voters has decreased from 38.0% in 2012 to 29.4% in 2020. While this progress is encouraging, it’s important to acknowledge that Yakima County still lags behind similar counties. In 2020, counties like ours had an average unregistered voter rate of 15.9%, nearly half of our rate.
This disparity is a clear signal that we have a lot of work to do. It’s not just about closing the gap—it’s about ensuring that every eligible voter in our county has the opportunity to make their voice heard. These insights are drawn from the Risk and Protection Profile for Substance Abuse Prevention in Yakima County, July 2024.
The Power of Participation
Registration is just the first step. We must also focus on encouraging those who are registered to exercise their right to vote. In 2020, out of 180,940 eligible voters in Yakima County, 96,985, or about 5.4 out of 10, cast their ballots. This means that nearly half of our eligible population did not have their voices heard.
Encouragingly, as of today, there are 129,783 registered voters in Yakima County—a notable increase from the 127,692 registered in 2020. This increase reflects the ongoing efforts by organizations like ours to engage the community and drive voter registration. However, this number also highlights the need for continued engagement and outreach to ensure that every registered voter is motivated to participate in the electoral process. This information was provided by the Yakima County Auditor’s office.
Use your voice – Vote!
Let’s continue to build on the progress we’ve made and work towards a future where every voice is heard, and every vote is counted. Thank you for your continued dedication to our cause.
Sincerely,
Lee Murdock
President, League of Women Voters of Yakima County
