Commission approves study of lower signature thresholds and sampling option for initiatives and referenda

Commissioner Garber presented amendment 2640 to adjust the initiative and referendum process in several ways: lower the countywide signature threshold from 10% to 8% of votes cast in the last gubernatorial election; calculate unincorporated‑area petition thresholds using the same countywide method; allow proponents whose initiative falls short of the full threshold to convert the effort into a "mini‑initiative" if they gather at least 3%; and permit the county auditor to use random statistical sampling (no less than a 10% sample) to verify signatures consistent with state guidance (WAC 434‑379‑010).

Garber said the change is intended to make the citizen initiative process more practicable without eliminating the requirement for broad support. "An initiative that has wide support will get the signatures," she said, adding that the mini‑initiative route ensures proposals with some community backing can still receive a public hearing before council.

After discussion about how sampling would be applied (Garber limited the sampling clause to countywide petitions to keep sample sizes meaningful) and confirmation from elections staff that the change posed no immediate operational barriers, the commission voted 14–1 to advance the amendment to a study committee. Garber will chair that committee, with Klene and Lebrandt joining.

Next steps: The study committee will refine charter language, confirm technical details with the auditor/elections office and return with a resolution packet for the full commission to consider.