This fall’s election includes 49 candidates running for the position of Charter Review Commissioner. Voters will elect three commissioners for each of the five Snohomish County Districts. This election happens every 10 years; we thought members might like to learn more. Here are the basics:
What is Home Rule and the Charter?
If you live in the city, have you ever wondered why you’re voting for county council members or the county executive? County government is responsible for law enforcement, roads, and other services outside of the cities, but it’s also responsible for the jail, prosecution, courts, and elections for the entire county. Most county governments are organized according to state statute - like Skagit County with its three county commissioners who make local regulations and execute them. But state law also permits counties in Washington to switch to home rule by electing a group of 15 to 25 citizens to draft a charter. The Charter is essentially our County Constitution – a document that describes how the county is to be governed. The citizens’ proposal must then be approved by county voters.
Of Washington’s 39 counties, only seven have a charter. Another 12 counties have tried to adopt home rule and failed. Snohomish County successfully adopted its charter in 1980. You can find our charter
here – or just search for ‘Snohomish County Charter’ in your browser.
The Charter – and the Charter Review Commission
The Snohomish County Charter describes how the county is organized, its powers, the council, the county executive, and how officials are elected. It also requires that the charter be reviewed by a commission of 15 elected citizens at least once every 10 years. Once elected, Commissioners debate and come to consensus on proposed changes. These changes are then put before us – the voters - for our approval. The last time a charter review commission was elected, the majority offered seven propositions to voters, one of which was to revise the county redistricting process.
This year, a new charter review commission will be convened, and 15 seats divided among five districts will be on the ballot in November. Voters will choose three members to represent their district. How will voters choose?
Join us for an informational webinar: Tuesday, October 7 – 6:30 P.M.!
Learn more. We’re live-streaming a panel presentation and discussion on the Charter Commission. Are there ways to improve county government? What skills and experience make a good Commissioner? How will the voting work? Join us on the
League YouTube channel. Hear from a panel of experts and get your questions answered. (The presentation will be recorded.) Find details on the
LWVSC calendar.