Snohomish Ballot Splits Local Parties

Snohomish County residents will vote on Oct. 3, 2026, whether to adopt five changes to the local charter. The measures address core government functions, budget reserves, election formats, financial data, and tax approval thresholds. Local political groups have issued conflicting advice to voters.

The proposals originated from a 15 member Charter Review Commission. This body convenes every decade to evaluate the county governing document. Chair Mark James stated the changes solve practical administrative issues. However, the League of Women Voters of Snohomish County recommends rejecting all five items. The local Democratic Party also advises a vote against all five, though for different reasons. The Republican Party supports all five.

Proposition 1 mandates funding priority for state required services like sheriff and court offices before discretionary programs. Proposition 2 creates separate budget reserves for emergencies, requiring four council votes to spend from them. Proposition 3 removes party labels from county ballots. Proposition 4 requires online access to searchable county contract and expenditure data. Proposition 5 raises the vote count needed for new council taxes from three to four members, effective Jan. 1, 2027.

Critics focus on how the commission gathered input. Brenda Mann Harrison, president of the local League of Women Voters, cited limited public comment times. She noted speakers had three minutes before deliberations began. Harrison said there was no way to correct the record or engage with commissioners during debates. She argued that holding hearings after initial votes prevented public input from influencing the final text.

Commission chair James defended the process. He said the group held open meetings online and in person. James noted the deadline for amendments was April 8, 2026. He stated the rules mirrored those used by the County Council. The commission held three extra hearings in May and reviewed about 25 proposals. Of those, 11 came from public submissions. James argued that internal disagreement does not indicate a flawed process.

Four commissioners, Demi Chatters, Jennifer Gregerson, Amanda Dodd, and Robin McGee, signed a dissenting letter on May 27. They claimed procedural barriers often dismissed public efforts to contribute. James countered that the commission only transmitted proposals that received required support. He said the final decision rests with voters on election day.

Cassie Fannin, spokeswoman for the County Council office, explained that amendments take effect 10 days after results are certified. If an implementation ordinance is needed, the council has 180 days to enact it. Fannin clarified the council only transmitted the measures to the auditor for the ballot and did not evaluate their merits.