Snohomish County voters will decide on a proposed charter amendment that would shift county leadership contests to non-partisan status.
Charter Proposition No. 3, appearing on the ballot, seeks to remove party affiliation from the races for County Executive, County Prosecutor and County Council. Proponents argue the change would align these offices with the non-partisan format already used for mayor and council elections in municipalities throughout the county.
The county charter serves as a local constitution, establishing the framework for home rule and delineating the powers and duties of elected officials. Its stated purpose includes maintaining a separation between legislative and executive functions and fostering public involvement in county affairs.
Increased Voter Engagement
Advocates for the measure point to research suggesting that non-partisan primary structures, where candidates compete for a single ballot and the top vote-getters advance, correlate with higher participation rates. A recent analysis indicated that jurisdictions adopting such primaries experienced an approximate six percent increase in turnout during primary elections compared to traditional partisan systems. Further studies suggest non-partisan primaries help reduce disparities in participation rates among different racial and ethnic groups.
Broader Candidate Participation
Supporters also contend that eliminating party labels lowers barriers for prospective candidates. By removing the requirement for formal party endorsement, the measure would allow individuals without such backing, including independents, to mount competitive campaigns. This approach is intended to discourage partisan gatekeeping and attract a wider variety of participants to the electoral process.
Focus on Local Issues
The proposal emphasizes that county governance is generally concerned with specific community policies rather than broad ideological agendas. Advocates argue that non-partisan ballots encourage voters to assess candidates based on qualifications and stances on local issues, rather than party affiliation.
Signatories supporting the proposition include Shannon Affholter, Bob Drewel, Dave Earling, Tom Hoban, Leonard Kelley, Van Kuno, Tom Lane, Angie Sievers and Bill Tsoukalas.