Look for robust campaigns
Published 8:42 am Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Now that the hats have been thrown into the ring, 2009 shapes up as an interesting local election year — exciting, even.
A preliminary analysis by the Snohomish County Auditor’s Office shows an increase in candidate filings of about 10 percent over 2007, the last local-election cycle. That wasn’t enough to prevent a still-disappointing number of uncontested races (29 city and town council positions had just one candidate file), but voters will still have some good, competitive campaigns to watch. In most cities, there will be ample opportunity for a thorough debate of important local issues — the foundation on which a robust democracy is built.
Some high-profile contests have more than two candidates. In those, voters will get to narrow the field to two in the Aug. 18 primary. Among them are two County Council and three mayoral races. Nine cities will have at least one city race appear on the primary ballot: Arlington, Bothell, Edmonds, Gold Bar, Granite Falls, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Monroe and Mukilteo. Every Snohomish County city except Sultan and Woodway will have at least one contested city race on the Nov. 3 general election ballot, which will also include races for school boards and fire, water, sewer, hospital and port commissions. One or more ballot measures might make it, too.
Now it’s your turn, dear voter, to do your part for democracy by paying attention during the campaigns, then casting an informed vote. Here’s how:
— If you’re not registered to vote, you have until July 19 to sign up to vote in the primary. You can register online, or at a number of public locations (libraries, post offices, city halls, etc.). Call the auditor’s office at 425-388-3444 to find out more, or visit www.snoco.org and type “elections” into the search field. The registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 5.
Deadlines are a few weeks later for folks new to the state; call the number above for more information.
— Watch for your mail-in ballot and local voter’s pamphlet, which will include statements from the candidates. Both should arrive in your mailbox about two weeks before election day.
— Add your own voice to the debate by writing a letter to the editor. (See the “Have your say” box on this page for details.) Representative samplings of election letters we receive will run as a package as volume dictates. This is a forum for average citizens; we don’t accept letters from candidates or their staffs.
The local races being decided this year are likely to have a more immediate impact on your life than national or state contests. Your involvement as an informed voter is a meaningful investment in your community’s future.
