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Charter panel approves amendment to clarify nonpartisan county elections
Summary
The Clark County Charter Review Commission voted unanimously to amend resolution 26-01 (charter amendment 22) to state that certain county offices will be nonpartisan and to reference state nonpartisan election procedures; the amendment will be sent to the county auditor for placement on the Nov. 26 ballot.
The Clark County Charter Review Commission voted unanimously Thursday to approve an amended resolution clarifying that county offices such as council member, assessor, auditor, clerk, sheriff, treasurer and prosecuting attorney shall be nonpartisan and that elections for those offices will follow state nonpartisan-election procedures.
Secretary Garber, who presented a redline of resolution 26-01, said the change is intended to allow ballot explanatory language to explain how nonpartisan elections operate under state law. "Under RCW 29A.52.220, when after the last day allowed for candidates to withdraw, there are no more than 2 candidates filed for a single position... no primary may be held for that position, and the candidates' names appear on the general election ballot," Garber said, describing the effect the commission wants reflected in the resolution language.
Commission discussion focused on wording and placement of the clarifying text. Commissioner LeBrant questioned whether language in the redline was duplicated in multiple sections and whether the draft should say the commission was "retaining" offices as nonpartisan or "designating" them; Secretary Garber responded that "retain" was intentional to avoid implying a new designation and to reflect the commission's intent. Commissioners also agreed to correct minor wording — adding a plural "s" to "election(s)" where appropriate — before final submission.
Commissioner Jay moved to approve the amended resolution; Commissioner Donnelly seconded. The commission took a roll-call vote and recorded 12 affirmative votes and no oppositions. Chair Erickson said the amended resolution, which will be known on the ballot as charter amendment 22, will be referred to the auditor's office for placement on the Nov. 26 general election ballot. The prosecuting attorney's office indicated it will work with the commission to revise the ballot title and explanatory statement before the August 4 submission deadline.
The commission took no further business and adjourned.
