Local Politics
WA Ballot Measures Could Reshape Local Government Nov. 3
Washington voters will decide Nov. 3 on charter amendments affecting local government structures across several counties. Pierce County's Charter Amendment 53 would replace the elected sheriff with an appointed position chosen by the county executive and confirmed by the County Council; a companion measure would create a Public Safety Ombuds Office. Snohomish County voters face Proposition 3 to make all county offices nonpartisan and Proposition 5 requiring a four-of-five supermajority for tax increases. Everett's Proposition 1 would bar city council members from simultaneously holding any other elected office. Clark County measures address term limits and tax-vote thresholds, while Clallam County's Charter Amendment 2 would establish an ethics review board.