Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Local governments will decide significant, controversial changes on Nov. 3 that are getting far less attention than contests for state Supreme Court seats and statewide initiatives. Citizen commissions in a handful of Washington cities and counties governed by a charter drafted these local measures.
Voters will decide on two charter amendments locally during next week's general election.
In Snohomish County, voters are considering ditching political party labels for elected county offices and the people running to serve in them.
Under Proposition 3, “all candidates for a Snohomish County elected office appear on the ballot without a political party designation and that all elected county offices be non-partisan offices.”
If approved, it would phase in starting next year, with the two council seats and the county executive’s position up for election. It would apply to the other three council seats when they appear on the 2029 ballot.
Several Snohomish County offices are already nonpartisan. These include treasurer, auditor, assessor, sheriff and clerk. This measure split the commission along party lines, with Republicans using their majority to advance it over Democratic objections.
With the county’s Democrat-leaning electorate, Republicans have struggled to win countywide offices. They hold two County Council seats. Some Democrats view the shedding of party identification as a not-so-veiled attempt to boost Republicans’ chances to win the county executive contest next year.
Meanwhile, Everett's charter review commission put Proposition 1 on the ballot. If passed, it would prohibit mayors and city council members from simultaneously holding “any other elected public office at any level of government.”
That means no county, state, or federal office, no school district, fire district, port district, public utility district, or office in another city or town. The only exception is a precinct committee officer.
Several state lawmakers now hold local offices, including state Reps. Strom Peterson, D-Edmonds, and Sam Low, R-Lake Stevens, serve on the Snohomish County Council.
A mayor or council member could run for another office, like a state legislative seat. If they win, they would be deemed to have vacated their city post once they are sworn in to the new position.
Raising taxes could get a little tougher for Snohomish County leaders. Proposition 5 would require a supermajority of four of the five-member county council to assess, levy, or increase any tax. If approved, it would take effect on Jan. 1.
It would not apply to existing taxes that come up for renewal and are not increasing. Fees, rates and charges, and special assessments would not be considered a tax subject to this requirement.
Supporters, writing in the Snohomish County voters’ pamphlet, argue the amendment “simply raises the consensus standard. When every dollar matters, Proposition 5 ensures careful consideration and broad support before asking struggling residents to pay more.”
Opponents counter that it will put too much power in the hands of a council minority. “When the few can overrule the many, public participation carries less weight, public trust is diminished, and the democratic process is undermined,” they wrote.
#Editor’s note: This story has been edited to focus on issues related to Snohomish County.#
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