Residents of several Washington counties will decide on a series of charter amendments this November. The measures, which affect the structure and oversight of local government, will be on the Nov. 3 ballot in Pierce, Snohomish, Clark and Clallam counties.
Pierce County – Sheriff appointment and oversight
Charter Amendment 53 would change the sheriff’s position from elected to appointed. Under the proposal, the county executive would select a sheriff, subject to confirmation by the County Council. If approved, current Sheriff Keith Swank, who was narrowly elected in 2024, would leave office on Jan. 1, 2027. King County is the only Washington county that currently appoints its sheriff.
A companion measure, Charter Amendment 54, would create a Public Safety Ombuds Office to provide independent oversight of the sheriff’s department.
Snohomish County – Non‑partisan elections
Proposition 3 seeks to remove party designations from all county‑wide ballots. Candidates for county offices would appear without a party label, and the offices themselves would become non‑partisan. The change would be phased in, beginning with two council seats and the county executive race next year, with the remaining three council seats to follow in 2029.
While several county offices—treasurer, auditor, assessor, sheriff and clerk—are already non‑partisan, the measure has split the charter commission along party lines. Republicans, who hold a majority on the commission, support the change, arguing it restores voter focus on qualifications rather than party affiliation. Democrats contend the move could advantage Republican candidates in future county‑wide races.
Everett – Dual‑office restriction
Proposition 1, placed on the ballot by the Everett charter review commission, would prohibit mayors and city council members from holding any other elected public office at any level of government simultaneously. The only exception would be a precinct committee officer. Under the proposal, a council member who wins a state legislative seat would have to vacate the city position upon being sworn in.
State Rep. Mary Fosse (D‑Everett) previously served on the city council before winning a House seat in 2022, illustrating the type of dual‑office scenario the measure aims to address.
Clark County – Tax‑raising supermajority
Charter Review Amendment 25 would require a two‑thirds supermajority—four of the five council members—to approve any new tax, levy or tax increase. Existing taxes that are merely renewed would not be subject to the new threshold.
Supporters argue the amendment ensures broader consensus before asking residents to shoulder additional tax burdens, especially as many families continue to feel economic pressure.
Snohomish County – Tax‑raising supermajority
Proposition 5 mirrors Clark County’s approach, also mandating a four‑of‑five council supermajority to approve new taxes, levies or tax increases beginning Jan. 1, 2027. The measure does not affect existing taxes that are simply renewed.
Opponents warn that concentrating tax‑approval power in a minority of council members could diminish public participation and reduce accountability.
Clark County – Term limits for council members
Charter Amendment 19 would limit Clark County council members to three consecutive terms, after which they must sit out a full term before seeking office again. The amendment is framed as a balance between retaining experienced leadership and encouraging fresh perspectives.
Clallam County – Ethics‑review board
Charter Amendment 2 proposes establishing a three‑person board to review complaints alleging violations of the county’s code of ethics by elected officials.
All of these measures will be decided by voters on Nov. 3. Voter pamphlets provide arguments from supporters and opponents, and the outcomes will shape how local governments operate across western Washington.
Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.
