Tumtum, Washington Public Records

While Tumtum may not boast the same level of economic diversity as larger Washington cities, its close-knit community and natural resources continue to provide a stable foundation for the local economy.

Law enforcement in Tumtum is primarily served by the Stevens County Sheriff's Office, which plays a critical role in maintaining safety and security within the community. Additionally, the Tumtum Police Department, though modest in size, is dedicated to community policing and fostering positive relationships with residents. For those seeking criminal records, the process begins with the Stevens County Sheriff's Office, which maintains a comprehensive repository of arrest records, mugshots, and booking information. To obtain these records, individuals can submit a request directly to the Sheriff's Office, either in person or through their online records portal.

Tumtum voters are served by the Stevens County Elections Office, located within the Stevens County Auditor's Office at 215 South Oak Street, Suite 200, Colville, WA 99114, phone (509) 684-7514. The office manages all aspects of voter registration, ballot distribution, and election administration for Stevens County residents including those in Tumtum. The Stevens County elections website, accessible through www.co.stevens.wa.us/auditor, provides voter information, sample ballots, election results, and important deadlines. Washington State conducts elections entirely by mail, with all registered voters receiving ballots by mail for every election.

Tumtum residents can register to vote online through the Washington Secretary of State's VoteWA portal at www.votewa.gov, which allows new registrations, updates to existing registrations, and address changes. Voter registration requires providing a Washington State driver's license or state ID number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number. The registration deadline is eight days before each election for online registration, though same-day registration is available in person at the county elections office through Election Day. Residents can verify their registration status, view their ballot status, and update information through the VoteWA portal.

As an unincorporated community, Tumtum does not hold municipal elections for mayor, city council, or other local offices because it has no incorporated city government. Tumtum voters participate in Stevens County elections for county commissioners (three positions elected to staggered six-year terms), county assessor, auditor, clerk, prosecuting attorney, sheriff, and treasurer. These county offices typically appear on ballots in odd-numbered years or during general elections in even-numbered years depending on the office cycle. Voters also participate in elections for state legislative positions (Washington State Senate and House of Representatives), statewide offices, federal races, and ballot measures.

Because Washington is a vote-by-mail state, Tumtum residents do not go to traditional polling places. Instead, ballots are mailed to all registered voters approximately 18-20 days before each election. Voters complete their ballots at home and return them by mail (postage is prepaid) or by depositing them in official ballot drop boxes located throughout Stevens County. The closest drop box locations to Tumtum can be found on the Stevens County elections website. Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day or deposited in drop boxes by 8:00 PM on Election Day to be counted.

Election records that are public in Washington include voter registration lists (available for purchase for political purposes), campaign finance reports (accessible through the Washington Public Disclosure Commission at www.pdc.wa.gov), candidate filings and declarations, and precinct-level election results. The Stevens County elections office publishes detailed results by precinct after each election. In the November 2024 presidential election, Stevens County reported voter turnout of approximately 71-75 percent, reflecting strong participation typical of rural northeastern Washington counties, with the county favoring Republican candidates by substantial margins.

Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, Tumtum and Stevens County voters will decide several significant races. The 2026 ballot will include one of Washington's U.S. Senate seats (the Class III seat currently held by Senator Patty Murray, whose term expires in January 2029), all members of the U.S. House of Representatives including the district representing Stevens County (currently the 5th Congressional District), state legislative seats for the Washington State Senate and House of Representatives, and various county offices depending on the election cycle. No gubernatorial race will occur in 2026 as Washington governors serve four-year terms with the next election in 2028. County positions such as county commissioners (depending on which district is up for election), and potentially other county officials may appear on the 2026 ballot. Voters should check the Stevens County elections website beginning in summer 2026 for information about candidates, ballot measures, and voter guides.

Washington's vote-by-mail system means every registered voter automatically receives a ballot packet in the mail. Voters who do not receive a ballot, need a replacement, or have accessibility needs can contact the Stevens County Elections Office to request a new ballot. Ballots can be returned by mail or via drop box, and voters can track their ballot status online through VoteWA to confirm when their ballot was received and counted.