As the House moved to pass the GOP's marquee bill, Democrats began testing out the attacks they hope will win them back Congress in 2026.

The Washington County Election Commission met to officially welcome its newest member and prepare for the next big election. While 2025 isn’t a major election year, officials said it’s still a crucial time to focus on planning, training and maintaining voter trust. New commissioner Alexis Ward said she’s ready to hit the ground running.

Casting mailed ballots remained popular among voters in last year’s presidential election, even as President Donald Trump has tried to undercut the process through a wide-ranging executive order.

The deadline for petitions to get onto the Nov. 4 general election ballot in Washington County closes at 4 p.m. Aug. 6. The last day to register to vote for the general election closes at 9 p.m. Oct.

WA taxpayers have spent nearly a quarter-of-a-million dollars topping up the pay of key state election staff following a litany of problems at the March poll.