This November’s general election includes 49 candidates running for the position of Charter Review Commissioner. Voters will elect three commissioners for each of the five Snohomish County Districts.

What is a charter?

The Washington State Constitution (ratified October 1, 1889) describes the county home rule charter in Article XI, Section 5. Home rule means a county has established a charter — a kind of a constitution — that describes how the county is to be governed and organized, such as its powers, the county council, the county executive, and how officials are elected. 

Snohomish County voters chose to adopt a home rule charter in 1980. There are seven home rule counties in the state: Clallam, Clark, King, Pierce, San Juan, Snohomish and Whatcom. The remainder are “the commission form, [where] the county governing body usually consists of a three-member board of commissioners, elected on a partisan basis, who serve as the county's legislative body and also perform executive functions.” (WA State Constitution, Article XI, Section 5)

Why is there a Charter Review Commission? 

The charter requires that it be reviewed by a commission of 15 elected citizens once every 10 years. Any changes the Commission proposes must be approved by the voters if they are to take effect. 

This year, once again, a new Charter Review Commission will be convened, with three members representing each of the five districts in Snohomish County. Any amendments submitted successfully will appear on the November 2026 general election ballot.  

The last time a Charter Review Commission was elected, the majority offered seven propositions to voters, so many changes are possible. They can affect whether officials are elected or appointed, whether elections are county-wide or by district, whether offices are added or subtracted, and much more. Are there ways to improve county government? 

What will be on the November Ballot? 

Your ballot will list the candidates running for Charter Review Commissioner in your county district. Unlike other races, voters will select the three candidates they prefer.  The three candidates receiving the most votes in each district will then become your representatives on the 2026 Charter Review Commission.

Read about county forms of government in Washington State.

Read the Snohomish County Charter.

Find your County Council district.
Read more about the Snohomish County Charter Review Commission.

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