Observing Elections

Observer Rules

Cowlitz County Elections supports open, transparent, and accessible elections. Our office does not have sufficient space to allow observers inside the opening board conference room while ballots are being processed, but observers can view and listen to teams opening ballots through a live feed to the Auditor's Office and the cafeteria of the Administration building. Other ballot processes can be observed in the Elections Office located on the second floor.

Anyone who wishes to observe an election may do so by visiting our office. You will be asked to check in with staff and follow basic observer rules. The rules are designed to protect the secrecy of the votes, to ensure the security of the elections process, and to keep observers and staff safe.

To ensure that observers gain the most from their visit, Cowlitz County Elections offers training for the major political parties and the public. The training provides an overview of the elections process and an introduction to the basic rules of conduct we expect all observers to follow. You may view the 2025 Observer Training below.

In order to accommodate participants, please contact our office or your political party liaison if you are interested in observing any part of the election process.

2025 Observer Training