Emerging Challenges for 2020 Elections: Election security, COVID, and People in the Streets
Jul 01, 2020
Julie Anderson
Emerging Challenges for 2020 Elections: Election security, COVID, and People in the Streets

The 2020 General Election was already a big challenge facing Pierce County Elections. There's intense interest, including control of the White House and Congress, and some high profile initiatives. Election administrators remain wary of ongoing cybersecurity threats. And now our community is facing unanticipated social revolutions and a pandemic that has shut down most civic institutions. How will Pierce County’s residents make their voices heard and votes counted? Pierce County Auditor Julie Anderson, who has overseen local elections since 2009, will share how her team is approaching these challenges.

Julie Anderson has served the community as Pierce County Auditor since 2009. The Auditor's Office is responsible for elections, public document recording, vehicle licensing, business licensing, and animal services. Prior to her election as the Pierce County Auditor, Julie was the senior policy advisor for the Washington State Department of Commerce, as well as a member of the Tacoma City Council (2004 - 2009).

Julie's past professional service comes from a wide variety of fields, including: Planned Parenthood Votes! Washington, YWCA of Pierce County, Dome District Neighborhood Business District, Tacoma United For Fairness, and a variety of criminal justice positions.

Julie is a member of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, the Washington State Association of County Auditors, and a Senior Fellow and board member for the American Leadership Forum. She is a member of Tacoma Rotary #8, the American Association of University Women, and the League of Women Voters. Julie also mentors young students through the Palmer’s Scholars program.