Capping this year’s Washington State Elections Conference, Secretary Reed presented two big awards before about 220 county auditors and other state and county elections officials.

The Voter Outreach Award went to Shirley Forslof, who has been Whatcom County Auditor since 1988. Reed and State Elections Director Nick Handy praised Forslof for working well with the county’s voter activist communities, participating in the state’s college civics program and for working closely with the county’s higher education communities. “Shirley is an excellent example of how County Auditors can empower their voters to more fully understand and participate in the electoral process through voter education and outreach,” Reed said.

Spokane County Elections Manager Mike McLaughlin received the Elections Employee of the Year Award.  Officials from other counties lauded McLaughlin for his willingness to help neighboring counties on elections matters. McLaughlin, who has worked in Spokane County elections department for nine years, also received praise for his technical support and know-how for statewide programs.

Among the topics discussed at the annual conference: voter education, the federal Military and Overseas Voters (MOVE) Act, signature verification training, and more.