Council rejects confirmation of interim elections director amid concerns about experience and impartiality

The Everett City Council voted against confirming the mayor’s selection for Director of Elections/Registrar at Monday’s meeting.

Council debate focused on the candidate’s claimed lack of election experience and local voting history. One councilor noted the nominee had reportedly registered to vote in 2012 and had only voted once in recent years; others raised concerns about impartiality because the interim director had been an administrator in the mayor’s office. Several councilors said they backed the nominee on the basis of character and a belief she would follow the law, but a majority voted no in the confirmation roll call, resulting in a failed appointment (3 ayes, 8 nays). The mayor retains appointment authority and the interim director will continue in the role until a successor is qualified under state law.

Councilors noted the job requires management of an imminent election, and asked for clarity about the administration’s recruitment and vetting process when filling the permanent position. The Council recorded its vote formally and urged the mayor’s office to continue outreach for a qualified and impartial candidate.