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Mercer Island staff outline candidate filing rules, deadlines and resources at orientation
Summary
City staff and officials held a candidate orientation explaining how to file for city council, compensation, disclosure requirements and upcoming candidate events, and directed candidates to resources including the King County candidate manual and the Public Disclosure Commission.
City Manager Jessie Bohn and City Clerk Andrea Larson told prospective candidates at a Mercer Island orientation that filing week opens the morning of May 5 and closes at 5 p.m. on May 9 and that candidates must follow state and county disclosure rules.
The session gave a step-by-step overview of filing logistics, compensation and disclosure obligations and pointed prospective candidates to the King County candidate manual, the state Public Disclosure Commission and other municipal resources. "So you are not doing this for the money," City Clerk Andrea Larson said, noting council pay is $200 per month and the mayor's stipend is $400 per month, both before taxes.
The orientation explained why those rules matter to candidates. The clerk said candidates must submit a Personal Financial Affairs Statement to the Public Disclosure Commission and file on schedule; the city will circulate official answers to candidate questions through the clerk after filing to ensure fairness. City Manager Jessie Bohn described the council–manager form of government and stressed staff neutrality: "I follow a code of ethics ... I have to remain neutral and, as do my staff."
Staff and officials walked attendees through other practical items: a candidates' orientation for people who file will be scheduled in June, candidates should watch council meetings to learn prevailing issues, and candidate materials and packets are posted at mercerisland.gov/councilcandidate. Bohn said the city publishes a council packet about one week before each meeting containing cover sheets, agenda bills and backup documents.
The orientation included calendar details: if more than two people file for a single seat there will be an August primary; otherwise, contests go straight to the November general election. The clerk clarified withdrawal rules: a candidate may withdraw through Monday, May 12. City staff said the first council meeting for anyone elected this year would be Jan. 6, 2026, and regular council meetings begin at 5 p.m.
Less technical guidance — campaign signs and other election materials — will be included in emailed guidance to candidates after they file. The city emphasized it will treat candidate inquiries equally and that the clerk will be the formal point of contact once filing begins.
The orientation closed with staff offering follow-up help and links to state and county resources for candidates.
