King County Elections has proposed a budget of over $31 million for the upcoming year, aimed at maintaining the integrity and accessibility of elections for more than 1.4 million registered voters across 190 jurisdictions. This budget includes approximately $23 million in revenue generated from the jurisdictions for which the office administers elections.

The department, which employs 72 full-time staff and hires hundreds of temporary workers during election periods, has successfully navigated budget reductions by eliminating one full-time position, reclassifying another, and cutting back on expenditures in areas such as advertising and IT equipment.

In a notable innovation, King County Elections has begun utilizing artificial intelligence technology to enhance translation services, moving away from reliance on external vendors. This initiative, approved through King County IT's process, has already demonstrated time and cost savings during its initial implementation in the recent election cycle. The department anticipates further benefits from this technology in the future.

Overall, the proposed budget reflects a commitment to efficient election administration while adapting to financial constraints and embracing technological advancements.