Commissioners refer amendment to align Clark County charter with nonpartisan election procedures

Commissioner Garber proposed amendment 26-01 to revise charter language so county offices designated as nonpartisan are handled under state nonpartisan election procedures, including skipping primaries for races with two or fewer candidates.

The measure, which Garber said “corrects inconsistencies in section 6.2” and would ensure elections “align with the nonpartisan intent approved by voters,” advanced to a study committee after a roll-call referral vote (13 ayes, 1 abstain, 1 nay). Garber estimated the change could have cut 2022 county ballot offices from 10 to 5 and produced about $70,000 in savings, not counting additional savings for voters’ pamphlets.

Supporters argued the amendment simply harmonizes charter language with the 2020 voter-approved nonpartisan status and common practice in other Washington home-rule counties. Commissioner Jay said the amendment “makes a lot of sense” and would avoid running unnecessary primary contests. Commissioner Lagomany asked for clarity that any savings would shift costs to other jurisdictions rather than remain with Clark County; Garber confirmed the example meant Clark County would not bear the listed $70,000 cost.

Opponents asked whether the provision would bar future changes from elected to appointed offices; Garber pointed to other charter sections that list elected offices and said this amendment does not change that broader structure. After discussion the commission referred the amendment to a study committee and confirmed Commissioner Garber as committee chair with cosponsors and volunteers reserved for the committee roster.

The next procedural step is study committee work to prepare the detailed policy report and seek prosecuting-attorney review as required under the commission’s committee protocols.