Mercer Island Council Discusses Election Laws and Campaign Guidelines for Officials

The Mercer Island City Council held a hybrid meeting on July 15, 2025, focusing on the guidelines and regulations surrounding election laws for elected officials as the city approaches election season. The session aimed to clarify the do's and don'ts for council members regarding campaigning and the use of city resources.

The meeting highlighted key statutes, particularly RCW 42.17A.555, which prohibits elected officials from using their positions or public facilities to support or oppose campaigns. This includes restrictions on using city resources such as letterhead, office space, and city staff for campaign purposes. The council was reminded that public comment periods during meetings cannot be used for discussing campaign matters or ballot propositions.

Exceptions to these rules were discussed, including the ability for the council to take a formal position on ballot measures during open meetings, provided that equal time is given for public support and opposition. The council can also distribute factual information about ballot measures, as long as it remains neutral and objective.

The discussion also covered the use of social media by council members. Officials can express personal views on their private accounts but must clarify that these views do not represent the city. They are encouraged to maintain transparency about the nature of their accounts to avoid confusion.

Council members raised questions about the boundaries of personal and official communication, particularly regarding the use of personal devices for city-related emails. It was emphasized that while officials can respond to inquiries using personal accounts, they must ensure that city resources are not used for campaign-related communications.

Overall, the meeting served as a crucial reminder for Mercer Island's elected officials to navigate the complexities of election laws carefully, ensuring compliance while engaging with the community during the upcoming election season.