Benton County completed renovations for its new Election Center, just in time for the 2024 general election.

Located behind Target and adjacent to the Benton County Justice Center, the 5,900-square-foot building that was once a fire station is at 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Building F, in Kennewick. 

The renovated Election Center was designed to optimize transparency in the elections process, maximizing observation opportunities for the public, observers, political parties and the media. 

The remodel also included a number of features to ensure that ballots are secure and election workers are safe.

The building will be used for ballot processing. Once voters fill out their ballots and return them, all processes related to verifying signatures, opening and preparing the ballots, and tabulation of results will occur at this facility. 

The entire Elections Division team was instrumental in the design of the space, working closely with state and national partners on safety and security features. The primary lead for the Benton County Elections Division was Elections Manager Amanda Hatfield.

The Benton County auditor, elections manager and the Board of County Commissioners recognized the need for a state-of-the-art, secure facility to conduct elections. In addition, the facility is on the county’s Kennewick campus and adjacent to other key Auditor’s Office personnel and functions, allowing maximization and efficiency of operations.

Construction, which was completed in late September, cost $3 million.

Banlin Construction of Kennewick is the general contractor. 

MMEC Architecture of Spokane is the architect.