Cathlamet, Washington Public Records

While tourism plays a role, with visitors drawn to the town's scenic riverfront and outdoor recreation opportunities, the backbone of Cathlamet's economy remains firmly rooted in its longstanding industries and community-oriented small businesses.

Law enforcement in Cathlamet is primarily overseen by the Cathlamet Police Department, which works in conjunction with the Wahkiakum County Sheriff's Office to maintain public safety and order. Individuals seeking information related to arrests, criminal records, or other law enforcement matters can visit the Cathlamet Police Department, located at 375 2nd Street. The Wahkiakum County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office, is also situated in Cathlamet and can provide further resources for those with inquiries about the local criminal justice system.

Cathlamet voters are served by the Wahkiakum County Elections Office, located within the Wahkiakum County Auditor's Office at 64 Main Street, Cathlamet, WA 98612, phone (360) 795-3219. The Elections Office can be reached via email and additional information is available on the county website. Washington is an entirely vote-by-mail state, meaning all registered voters automatically receive ballots in the mail approximately 18 days before each election. Voters may return ballots by mail (postmarked by Election Day) or deposit them in official ballot drop boxes located throughout the county, including one at the courthouse in Cathlamet.

Cathlamet residents register to vote online at VoteWA.gov, Washington's official voter registration portal managed by the Office of the Secretary of State. Online registration requires a valid Washington driver's license or state ID card. The registration deadline is eight days before Election Day for online registration and mail-in registration (if postmarked by that date), or in-person registration on Election Day is permitted at the county elections office. First-time voters must provide identification when registering. Washington offers same-day voter registration during the in-person voting period beginning 18 days before Election Day.

The Town of Cathlamet holds municipal elections for Town Council positions and other town offices. Cathlamet operates under a council-mayor form of government with a five-member Town Council. Municipal elections are held in odd-numbered years and consolidated with other elections on the November general election date. The next municipal election for Cathlamet will occur in November 2025. Candidates file declarations of candidacy with the Wahkiakum County Elections Office during the designated filing period (typically May for the November election). Information on local candidates and ballot measures is available through the county's online voter information portal and printed voters' pamphlets mailed to all households.

To find polling place information—though Washington conducts all-mail elections—voters can check their registration status and ballot drop box locations at VoteWA.gov or by contacting the county elections office. In the November 2024 presidential election, Wahkiakum County recorded approximately 67% voter turnout, with roughly 2,200 ballots cast out of 3,300 registered voters. The county historically leans Republican in presidential and statewide races.

Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, Cathlamet and Wahkiakum County voters will decide several significant races. Washington holds U.S. Senate elections in 2026 with one of the state's two Senate seats on the ballot. The statewide races will include a gubernatorial election, as Washington governors serve four-year terms with the next election in 2024, so 2026 will feature elections for other statewide offices including Attorney General, Secretary of State, and other constitutional offices. Washington State legislative elections occur every two years, with all 98 State House seats and approximately half of the 49 State Senate seats on the ballot. Wahkiakum County is part of the 19th Legislative District. County-level positions including County Commissioners (three seats on staggered terms), County Auditor, County Assessor, County Treasurer, Prosecuting Attorney, and Sheriff will appear on the ballot depending on the election cycle. Partisan primaries occur in August 2026 using Washington's top-two primary system, where all candidates appear on one ballot and the top two vote-getters advance to the November general election regardless of party.

Washington state election records that are publicly accessible include voter registration lists (available for purchase for political purposes under RCW 29A.08.720), campaign finance reports through the Public Disclosure Commission at pdc.wa.gov, candidate filings and declarations of candidacy, precinct-level election results, and ballot measure text and fiscal impact statements. The Washington Secretary of State maintains a centralized elections database at sos.wa.gov/elections with statewide results, voter registration statistics, and historical election data. Wahkiakum County posts unofficial election results on election night and certified results after the canvassing period, typically within two weeks of Election Day. All Washington voters can track their ballot status online at VoteWA.gov to confirm their ballot was received and counted.