I’m in WA state also and I remember during an election about 10 years ago a month after a race was certified, there were ballots (around 1500 IIRC) found in the “corner” of the post office. Word was they could have tipped a lot of close local races and the ballots were from a more conservative area.
Back in the day, when you had to show up at a polling place to vote, there seemed to be more engaged and informed people as it took a little effort to find out where you needed to go and how to get there. At least in my neighborhood the voting places were usually right on a bus line so those without vehicles could get there. Now with the mail-in style you get folks that have A LOT of uninformed or disinterested people voting on issues and candidates they don’t know or understand.
This is a point that really needs to be raised:
Why on earth would we entrust our votes to an entity with a vested interest in never-ending federal subsidies to stay in existence?
I showed up and voted in person. I know, what a concept.
The USPS is heavily unionized, can see the writing on the wall, and have unbelievable pensions and medical benefits at stake on this.
For that matter, our votes are counted by government. They are counted by government in a time where the entire referendum - every single issue - turns on the question of whether we should have more or less government.
Who watches the watchers?