EPHRATA — Three Republican candidates are running for the position of Grant County Auditor: incumbent Shannon Falstad and challengers Andrew Koeppen and Darci Homesley.  

To give readers a clear comparison of the candidates, each was asked the same question and provided an equal opportunity to respond by email. Homesley did not respond to requests for comment. 

In this installment, candidates were asked what they would do to ensure elections remain secure, transparent, accurate and accessible to voters.  

Falstad: Having worked in elections, I can confidently say that the policies and procedures currently followed by the Election Department are secure and well-established. The use of a live-cam and the opportunity for public observation provide transparency. During my time in the Auditor’s office, there were only four drop boxes and today, there are 13, greatly expanding access for voters. 

Koeppen: Public confidence depends on elections that are secure, transparent, accurate, and accessible. As Auditor, I will faithfully administer elections according to federal and state law while continually evaluating opportunities to strengthen transparency, security, efficiency, and voter access. 

To strengthen election integrity, I will: 

· Review ballot intake and processing procedures to reduce the time between ballot receipt and updates appearing in VoteWA, while maintaining security, accuracy, and chain of custody so voters receive timely confirmation that their ballot has been safely received. 

· Review ballot processing procedures to identify opportunities to report election results more quickly while maintaining accuracy. This will give voters a more timely understanding of election results while strengthening public confidence in the election process. 

· Evaluate additional cameras, 24/7 livestreaming where appropriate, improved public observation opportunities, and better accommodations for observers. 

· Review chain-of-custody procedures, physical safeguards, and documented controls that protect ballots throughout the election process. 

· Evaluate the number and locations of ballot drop boxes with the goal to improve voter access while maintaining appropriate security. 

· Within my first 100 days as Auditor, I will publish a public 100-Day Report Card detailing what was reviewed, improvements identified, actions taken, and recommendations for future improvements. 

These actions reflect my belief that public confidence is earned through lawful administration, transparency, continuous evaluation, and measurable accountability.