The Pierce Prairie Post stopped by the Pierce County Central Maintenance Facility off Canyon Road in Frederickson to see people still voting in person in Frederickson. There were big lighted signs directing people where to turn, little white tent signs telling people “vote here” as you arrive at the building. Large arrows taped on the floor and line control bars along the walkway tot he meeting room where voting machines were set up. Along the way, poll workers directed voters and answered questions. Lots of voter guides were laying on the tables.

Voters were directed to check in at the desk where their registration was confirmed and were given directions to a machine. There were electronic touch screen voting machines that brought up one or two items per screen and the voter touched to select their choice. A check mark would appear next to their selection. They could go forward or back between screens and change their selections. At the end, they were asked to review their choices and then provided with a printed paper strip with the same selections to double-check. When the voter chose to validate their selections, the machine rolled up and kept the print out as a mechanism to double-check the accuracy of the machine.

Few voters were having to wait, but the machines were busy and there was a steady stream of people entering and leaving the poll. No long lines, but people seems to be happy to be at a poll. Voting appeared to take 15 to 20 minutes on the average. Many people were simply dropping off their absentee ballots. On voter expressed gratitude for the big lighted street signs showing where to turn. Since it was dark and rainy, the extra help was appreciated.

Here are the voting site open until 8 p.m. You must arrive before that time.

Puyallup Library, 324 S Meridian, Puyallup, WA 98371
Pierce County Annex, 2401 S 35th St. (East entrance) Tacoma, WA 98409 

Tacoma Area Coalition of Individuals with Disabilities, TACID, 6315 S 19th St , Tacoma, WA 98466
Gig Harbor Fire Station, 6711 Kimball Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335