League of Women Voters Opposes Snohomish County Charter Amendments

The League of Women Voters of Snohomish County is urging voters to reject five proposed amendments to the Snohomish County Charter on the November 3 ballot. President Brenda Mann Harrison argues the Charter Review Commission failed to provide a forum for public input and warns that Propositions 2 and 5 would create "antidemocratic requirements" by granting veto power to a minority of council members.

The proposed amendments include prioritizing foundational government services, establishing a budget stabilization fund, and converting elected offices to non-partisan roles. Other measures seek to increase financial transparency through an online database and require a 4/5 supermajority vote to increase taxes.

Former Mayor and Councilmember Steve Dana supports all five proposals. The measures were developed by the Snohomish County Charter Review Commission, a body of elected citizens responsible for reviewing the Charter and determining the proposals presented to voters.