Editorial Position on November Ballot
An editorial published October 16, 2026, by HeraldNet urges Snohomish County voters to reject all five proposed charter amendments appearing on the November ballot. The publication argues that voting against these measures is necessary to preserve community unity and a shared civic identity.
The editorial states that once every 10 years, voters are asked to consider changes to the basic rules governing county government. This cycle presents the opportunity to vote on five specific proposals that would alter the structure of local elections and fiscal authority.
Process and Partisan Concerns
The HeraldNet editorial aligns with a conclusion reached by the League of Women Voters of Snohomish County regarding the legislative process. The civic organization determined that the procedure for soliciting and processing the proposals did not provide adequate public opportunity to participate in shaping the changes.
Among the five amendments, Proposition 3 would make every Snohomish County elected office nonpartisan. This change would remove political party designations from the ballot for all county positions.
The editorial highlights a contrast between the proposed partisan removal and the current operational reality of the county government. It notes that official council records contain hundreds of 5-0 votes annually. Additionally, the publication points to the unanimous selection of bipartisan leadership for 2026 as evidence of existing cooperation.
Efforts to increase transparency regarding political affiliations have previously stalled within the council. A proposal requiring candidates for County Executive and County Council to disclose their political affiliations and endorsements in the voters’ pamphlet failed to move forward as a charter amendment. The measure did not receive the four council votes required for advancement, with Republicans opposing the specific measure.
Fiscal Authority and Voting Thresholds
Proposition 5 addresses the threshold for approving new taxes or tax increases, referred to in the source material as "councilmanic tax." The amendment would require four of the five County Council members to approve any such fiscal action.
The HeraldNet editorial argues that this provision would effectively allow two councilmembers to block actions supported by three members. This change would alter the standard majority rule typically associated with a five-member body.