Benton County Elections – Canvassing Board Meetings for 2026 Cycle

Posted on October 14, 2025
Benton County Auditor

The Benton County Canvassing Board will be meeting at various times during the November 4, General Election cycle.  This is to advise you of the current ballot processing schedule and canvassing board meetings for this election. 

Estimated Dates for Processing – All subject to change due to voter turnout.  Schedules will be sent to party coordinators at the end of each day with set times beginning October 20th.

  • Ballot Runs – Beginning Oct. 20 and going through Nov. 5
  • Sorter processes and signature verification – beginning at 1:00 pm, October 20 and continues throughout the election cycle  These may vary depending on turnout at the ballot boxes. 
  • Ballot Opening – begins Oct. 27 at 9:00 am.  Schedule depends on voter turnout.  May just be morning shift sometimes, sometimes both shifts (Likely during Election week). 
  • Ballot Scanning – begins Oct 28 at 9:00 am. Schedule depends on voter turnout.  May just be morning shift sometimes, sometimes both shifts (Likely during Election week). 
  • Random Batch Audit – must be done within 48 hours of election day.  Will obtain random batch numbers from morning observers at 9:00 am on Thursday, Nov. 6 – The Audit will take place during the 1:00 pm shift on Nov. 6
  • State-Wide Risk Limiting Audit – Wednesday, Nov. 19th 9:00am
  • Pre-Certification/Certification of the Election – Pre-certification November 24th 9:00 am – Final Certification November 25th 9:00 am or immediately after the Commissioners Board meeting

The processing schedule may be modified from time to time depending on the number of ballots received daily.

All election processes will take place at the Benton County Election Center, located at 7122 W. Okanogan Pl., Bldg. F, Kennewick. 

During processing, no persons except those employed and authorized by the county auditor may touch any ballot, ballot container, or vote tallying system.  We also ask that no photos be taken without the approval of the Election Manager.

To determine which processes are being conducted on a given day, we advise that observers contact our office directly.

Please let me know if you have any questions.