Core Responsibilities of the Clark County Auditor
The Auditor’s Office is divided into four major administrative branches. These departments handle everything from the integrity of local democracy to the essential paperwork of daily life in Clark County.
1. Elections and Voter Registration
As the county’s chief elections official, the Auditor is legally tasked with managing the entire process by which citizens exercise their constitutional right to vote.
- Voter Database Management: Maintaining and securing the county’s official voter registration databases.
- Ballot Administration: Printing, distributing, and securing mail-in ballots.
- Tabulation and Certification: Operating the secure ballot tabulation center, coordinating bipartisan scanning and signature-verification teams, and certifying official election results.
- Voter Pamphlets: Publishing and distributing local voters’ pamphlets to inform the electorate.
2. Financial Services and Internal Audit
The Auditor acts as the county’s primary financial officer and independent watchdog. Rather than setting budgets (which is the job of the County Council), the Auditor ensures that all public funds are spent exactly as authorized by law.
- Accounting and Payroll: Processing accounts payable, managing county payroll, and maintaining the county’s central accounting records.
- Annual Financial Reporting: Compiling the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) to provide a transparent accounting of public tax dollars.
- Internal Audits: Conducting independent performance and financial audits of county departments to identify waste, fraud, or operational inefficiencies.
- Audit Oversight Committee: Chairing the county’s Audit Oversight Committee to maintain strict fiscal integrity across departments.
3. Public Records and Recording
Under Washington state law, the Auditor serves as the official recorder of public, legal, and historical documents. This is the legal system’s “source of truth” for property ownership and public history in Clark County.
- Real Estate and Land Records: Recording deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plat maps to protect property rights.
- Public Archives: Maintaining permanent, searchable historical archives of all recorded county transactions.
- Military Discharges: Recording and securing DD-214 military discharge papers for local veterans free of charge.
4. Licensing Services
The Auditor acts as an agent for the Washington State Department of Licensing and oversees marriage licenses locally.
- Vehicle and Vessel Licensing: Administering registrations, titles, and license plates for vehicles and boats, managing several local private licensing sub-agents.
- Marriage Licenses: Issuing legal marriage licenses and maintaining marriage records.
Because the Auditor’s duties are rooted in strict compliance with Washington State statutes, the role is administrative, not political.
Candidates in alphabetic order.
Mitchell Kelly
Image via Public Website
Current Position: Financial Reporting and General Ledger Manager for the Clark County Auditor’s Office.
Donor List:https://www.pdc.wa.gov/political-disclosure-reporting-data/browse-search-data/candidates/3391218
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
WhoHe Is (Ballotpedia):
My name is Mitchell Kelly, and I am a lifelong Clark County resident, husband, and public servant. I am running for Clark County Auditor because I believe the office should be led by someone with direct experience in auditing, government finance, and public accountability.
I have spent more than 15 years working in public finance and government oversight. I currently serve as Deputy County Auditor and Reporting & Analysis Manager for Clark County, where I help oversee financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance with state and federal requirements. Before joining Clark County, I worked as an Assistant State Auditor, auditing local governments throughout Southwest Washington.
I earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Brigham Young University and an MBA from Arizona State University. Throughout my career, I have focused on transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.As Auditor, my priorities will be administering fair and accurate elections, maintaining public trust through transparency and integrity, and ensuring county services are delivered efficiently and effectively. I believe Clark County deserves an auditor who understands the responsibilities of the office and has the experience to lead from day one.
Learn More about Mitchell Here:
Eileen Quiring O’Brien
Image Via Clark County Republican Party Website
Donor List: https://www.pdc.wa.gov/political-disclosure-reporting-data/browse-search-data/candidates/3390992
Website: https://www.eileenforauditor.com/
Social Media: Only personal pages
Who He Is (Via her Website)
Eileen Quiring O’Brien has spent her career in public service focused on one simple principle: government should work honestly, responsibly, and in the best interest of the people it serves.
A lifelong Clark County resident, Eileen grew up here, attended Glenwood Heights Elementary and Battle Ground Junior High, and graduated from Battle Ground High School. Clark County is her home, and serving this community has been a constant thread throughout her life.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Management of Human Resources from George Fox University and was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus in 1998.
EXPERIENCE ROOTED IN CLARK COUNTY
In 2016, Eileen was elected to the Clark County Council representing District 4, taking office in January 2017. As a County Councilor, she worked closely with fellow council members, county staff, and community partners to address the real challenges facing Clark County—from budgets and land use to regional growth and governance.
In 2018, Eileen was elected by her peers to serve as Chair of the Clark County Council, beginning that role in January 2019. As Chair, she helped guide thoughtful discussions, encouraged collaboration, and worked to ensure decisions were made carefully, transparently, and with the public interest in mind.
Before serving on the Council, Eileen was appointed to the Clark County Planning Commission and the Board of Equalization, where she gained firsthand experience reviewing land-use decisions and ensuring fairness for taxpayers.
STATE LEADERSHIP & FISCAL OVERSIGHT
Eileen’s public service began at the state level. She was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives in 1995 and later to the Oregon State Senate in 1997, representing the Beaverton–Tigard area.
During her time in the Legislature, Eileen focused on budgeting, revenue, and justice issues. She served on multiple Ways and Means Committees, including as Deputy Co-Chair of the Joint House and Senate Ways and Means Committee, and chaired subcommittees overseeing Human Resources and General Government.
She also chaired the Senate Revenue Committee and served on committees addressing health and human services, education, transportation, and economic development. Her colleagues recognized her leadership by electing her Majority Whip, and she was later honored nationally as a Toll Fellow for her commitment to public service.
PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVE
Alongside her public service, Eileen has worked in the private sector as a small business owner and employer and as a licensed Real Estate Broker and Appraiser. She understands the importance of accurate records, responsible financial decisions, and clear processes—values that carry directly into the role of County Auditor.
She also served as the founding Executive Director of the Robert D. and Marcia H. Randall Charitable Trust, helping guide philanthropic investments that supported the creation of Randall Children’s Hospital in Portland.
Eileen has served on numerous civic and nonprofit boards and believes strongly in giving back to the community.
WHY AUDITOR
The Clark County Auditor plays a critical role in protecting public trust—overseeing elections, financial processes, and public records with independence and care.
Eileen Quiring O’Brien is running for Auditor to bring experience, integrity, accountability, and transparency to an office that must always put voters and taxpayers first. She believes trust in government is earned through consistency, fairness, and openness—and she is committed to earning that trust every day.
Learn More about Eileen Here:
Ty Stober
Image Via Candidate’s Website
Current Position: Vancouver City Councilmember (served since 2015, former Mayor Pro Tem)
Donor List: https://www.pdc.wa.gov/political-disclosure-reporting-data/browse-search-data/candidates/3391067
Website: https://votety.com/
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Who He Is (Via his Website)
I’m running because trust in elections and public records is too important to take for granted. The Auditor’s office plays a quiet but essential role in daily life, and it works best when it is accurate, professional, and nonpartisan.
I believe Clark County deserves an Auditor who is prepared for the job’s responsibilities and focused on getting the fundamentals right—every time.
Trust in elections and public institutions is too important to take for granted. Clark County deserves an Auditor who understands management, respects taxpayer dollars, and runs the office in a fair, non-partisan way.
Prepared for the Auditor’s Role
The work of the Auditor’s office requires careful administration, respect for the law, and steady leadership—especially during high-pressure elections.
Ty has spent years learning how elections are administered, how public records are maintained, and how accountability systems function in both public and private settings. He understands that small details matter, and that public confidence is built through consistency and accuracy, not rhetoric.
Management Experience That Delivers Results
Before serving on City Council, Ty worked in for-profit organizations where he was directly responsible for people, systems, and outcomes.
That experience included:
• Managing teams and supervising professional staff
• Overseeing complex operations with clear procedures
• Building accountability and reporting systems
• Being responsible for results, not just recommendations
This operational experience directly applies to running the Auditor’s office, where accuracy, documentation, and follow-through are essential.
Public Service & Leadership
As a City Councilmember, Ty has worked within government systems that require transparency, compliance, and collaboration. He understands how local government functions and the importance of nonpartisan administration in roles that serve the entire public.
In addition to City Council, Ty has served in regional and statewide leadership roles that involve coordination across jurisdictions and long-term planning in the public interest.
Education & Professional Preparation
Ty’s education reflects a long-term commitment to responsible leadership and public service:
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration
• Master of Business Administration
• Executive training in state and local government
His preparation emphasizes management, accountability, and understanding how public institutions operate under the law.
Community Roots
Ty has lived and worked in Clark County for decades and is deeply invested in the community.
He lives in Clark County with his husband, and together they are committed to supporting education and civic engagement locally. Ty believes strong communities are built through fairness, responsibility, and public institutions people can trust.
Why He’s Running
Ty Stober is running for Clark County Auditor to provide calm, prepared leadership—focused on accurate elections, reliable public records, and professional service for everyone.
Learn More about Ty Here:
Sharon Wylie
Image Via Candidate’s Facebook
Current Position: Washington State Representative representing the 49th district since 2011
Donor List: https://www.pdc.wa.gov/political-disclosure-reporting-data/browse-search-data/candidates/3391538
Website: https://www.electsharon.com/
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Who He Is (Via her Website)
I’m Sharon Wylie, and I’m running for Clark County Auditor because I believe trust in government starts with systems that work well and serve people fairly.
It has never been more important to have confidence in our elections, our public records, and the everyday functions of local government.
Clark County has strong systems in place, and I want to help protect and strengthen them through careful oversight, transparency, and a steady commitment to public trust. This office is not about politics, it is about accuracy, accountability, and making sure government works the way it should.
Over the years, I’ve worked both inside and alongside county government, and I understand how much these systems matter in people’s daily lives. I have spent my career helping improve how government functions, making processes more responsive, practical, and centered on the public. I bring experience, a strong commitment to public service, and a belief that people deserve a government that is open, reliable, and accessible.
As your Auditor, I will work hard to maintain your trust and make sure these important public systems continue to work well for everyone.
Learn More about Sharon Here:
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