Dennis Michelson pushes his ballot into the drop box outside of Lynnwood City Hall on Nov. 2, 2022 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Dennis Michelson pushes his ballot into the drop box outside of Lynnwood City Hall on Nov. 2, 2022 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Snohomish County’s guide to the 2023 primary election

Here is everything you need to know before election day.

Voting for the Aug. 1 primary election has begun.

Some major Snohomish County races will eliminate candidates in the primary, including county executive, auditor, Superior Court judge and several city councils and school boards.

Here is our latest coverage of the 2023 races:

Left, Christopher Garnett, right Bob Hagglund (Photo provided)

Left, Christopher Garnett, right Bob Hagglund (Photo provided)

Snohomish County Executive

2 candidates emerge to face Somers for Snohomish County executive

At the last minute, Republican Bob Hagglund and Democrat Christopher Garnett registered to run against the two-term incumbent.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 
Junelle Lewis, left, Will Schlegel and Jacob Walker

Junelle Lewis, left, Will Schlegel and Jacob Walker

Snohomish County Council District 2

Challengers to Dunn seat aim to tip balance on Snohomish County Council

Democrat Megan Dunn holds Position 2. Georgia Fisher and Kristina Mitchell, who have Republican ties, aim to unseat her.

Patrick Moriarty, Mary Anderson and Jody Cloutier (Photos provided by candidates)

Patrick Moriarty, Mary Anderson and Jody Cloutier (Photos provided by candidates)

Snohomish County Superior Court Position 17

In rare 3-way race, judge candidates have diverse reasons to run

Patrick Moriarty was appointed to Snohomish County Superior Court in 2022. Attorneys Mary Anderson and Jody Cloutier are challenging him.

Robert Sutherland, left, Garth Fell and Cindy Gobel.

Robert Sutherland, left, Garth Fell and Cindy Gobel.

Snohomish County Auditor

Election insiders face election denier for Snohomish County auditor

Republican Robert Sutherland and Democrat Cindy Gobel are challenging incumbent Garth Fell on transparency and community outreach.

Top (L-R): Bill Wheeler Jr., Demi Chatters; Bottom (L-R): Brian Hennessy, Scott Bader

Top (L-R): Bill Wheeler Jr., Demi Chatters; Bottom (L-R): Brian Hennessy, Scott Bader

Everett City Council Position 6

Everett at-large council race hosts crowded field for Position 6

A former council member, a past candidate, a first-time candidate and a former bikini barista stand owner make up the field.

(L-R) Judy Tuohy, Judith Martinez, Bryce Nickel

(L-R) Judy Tuohy, Judith Martinez, Bryce Nickel

Everett City Council Position 7

Longtime member faces two first-timers for Everett City Council

Judy Tuohy, Judith Martinez and Bryce Nickel differ on approaches to issues like homelessness, housing and public safety.

Top (L-R): Roman Rewolinski, Charles Adkins. Bottom (L-R): Ryne Rohla, Janelle Burke

Top (L-R): Roman Rewolinski, Charles Adkins. Bottom (L-R): Ryne Rohla, Janelle Burke

Everett School Board Position 2

Facing $28M deficit, candidates for Everett school board offer answers

Charles Adkins, Janelle Burke, Roman Rewolinksi and Ryne Rohla are in a four-way race for Everett Public Schools’ Position 5.

Top (L-R): Mike Nelson, Brad Shipley. Bottom (L-R): Diane Buckshnis, Mike Rosen.

Top (L-R): Mike Nelson, Brad Shipley. Bottom (L-R): Diane Buckshnis, Mike Rosen.

Edmonds Mayor

With primary approaching, 3 challengers aim to oust Edmonds mayor

Mike Nelson is seeking reelection against three challengers: Diane Buckshnis, Brad Shipley and Mike Rosen.

(L-R) Nancy Katims, Arjun Kathuria, Nicholas Jenkins

(L-R) Nancy Katims, Arjun Kathuria, Nicholas Jenkins

Edmonds School Board Director Position 5

Budget cuts weigh on Edmonds School Board candidates

Incumbent Nancy Katims faces challenges from Arjun Kathuria and Nicholas Jenkins to retain her seat.

Ann Aagaard, left, Carston Curd and Mark Swanson

Ann Aagaard, left, Carston Curd and Mark Swanson

Bothell City Council Position 4

Bothell City Council candidates spar over housing density

Voters will decide which two of the three candidates advance to the November ballot for Bothell City Council.

Top (L-R): Keira Atchley, Tiffani Mondares-Riggs, Beth Hoiby Bottom (L-R): Sherryl Kenney, Eliza Davis

Top (L-R): Keira Atchley, Tiffani Mondares-Riggs, Beth Hoiby Bottom (L-R): Sherryl Kenney, Eliza Davis

Marysville School Board Positions 2 and 3

Like elsewhere, finances a priority in Marysville School Board races

Keira Atchley is the incumbent facing three newcomers. The other race is wide open, with Paul Galovin not running for reelection.

Junelle Lewis, left, Will Schlegel and Jacob Walker

Junelle Lewis, left, Will Schlegel and Jacob Walker

Monroe City Council Position 5

Planning board members face off in 3-way primary for Monroe council

Planning board members Jacob Walker and Junelle Lewis, along with Will Schlegel, filed to run for Monroe City Council.

Jeremiah Campbell, left, and Crystal Blakely

Jeremiah Campbell, left, and Crystal Blakely

Monroe School District Position 1

Candidate pool already whittled down in Monroe School Board election

Jeremiah Campbell is running to hold the seat, while Crystal Blakely is challenging. Two candidates have dropped out of the race.

Top (L-R): Alan Rubio, Brian Travis, Patrick Peck. Bottom (L-R): Jack Broyles Jr., Larry Jones, Mike Pivec

Top (L-R): Alan Rubio, Brian Travis, Patrick Peck. Bottom (L-R): Jack Broyles Jr., Larry Jones, Mike Pivec

Alderwood Water and Wastewater District Positions 3 and 4

Everything to know about crowded ballot for Alderwood Water District

Rising water and wastewater rates, high turnover and employee morale are some of the issues six candidates want to address.

Top (L-R): Jon Nehring, Russell Wiita Bottom (L-R): Dan Rankin, Brett Gailey

Top (L-R): Jon Nehring, Russell Wiita Bottom (L-R): Dan Rankin, Brett Gailey

Lake Stevens, Marysville, Darrington and Sultan Mayor

In Lake Stevens, Marysville, voters have just 1 choice for mayor

Without opponents, Brett Gailey, Jon Nehring and two other mayors in Snohomish County can start focusing on their next four years.

 

Ballots can be placed in designated drop boxes until 8 p.m. on election day or mailed without a stamp and postmarked by Aug. 1. To view your online voters’ guide, go to voteWA.gov.

For more information on ballots and voters’ pamphlets:

You’ve got mail! Primary ballots, voters’ pamphlets mailed this week

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Jennifer Humelo, right, hugs Art Cass outside of Full Life Care Snohomish County on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘I’ll lose everything’: Snohomish County’s only adult day health center to close

Full Life Care in Everett, which supports adults with disabilities, will shut its doors July 19 due to state funding challenges.

(City of Everett)
Everett’s possible new stadium has a possible price tag

City staff said a stadium could be built for $82 million, lower than previous estimates. Bonds and private investment would pay for most of it.

The Edmonds City Council gathers to discuss annexing into South County Fire on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Community group presents vision for Edmonds’ fiscal future

Members from Keep Edmonds Vibrant suggested the council focus on revenue generation and a levy lid lift to address its budget crisis.

The age of bridge 503 that spans Swamp Creek can be seen in its timber supports and metal pipes on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Lynnwood, Washington. The bridge is set to be replaced by the county in 2025. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Snohomish County report: 10 bridges set for repairs, replacement

An annual report the county released May 22 details the condition of local bridges and future maintenance they may require.

People listen as the Marysville School Board votes to close an elementary and a middle school in the 2025-26 school year while reconfiguring the district’s elementary schools to a K-6 model on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Marysville schools audit shows some improvement

Even though the district still faces serious financial problems, the findings are a positive change over last year, auditors said.

Outside of the Madrona School on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Sewer district notifies Edmonds schools of intent to sue

The letter of intent alleges the school district has failed to address long-standing “water pollution issues” at Madrona K-8 School.

Cars drive along Cathcart Way next to the site of the proposed Eastview Village development that borders Little Cedars Elementary on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 in unincorporated Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Former engineer: Snohomish County rushed plans for Eastview development

David Irwin cited red flags from the developers. After he resigned, the county approved the development that’s now stalled with an appeal

The Musical Mountaineers perform at Everett’s McCollum Park on June 14, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Adopt A Stream Foundation)
Photo courtesy of Adopt A Stream Foundation
The Musical Mountaineers perform at Everett’s McCollum Park on June 14.
Coming events in Snohomish County

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

Lynnwood Mayor Christine Frizzell and Lynnwood City Council Member David Parshall along with others involved in the renovation of Scriber Lake Park explore the new boardwalk on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lynnwood cuts the ribbon to new Scriber Lake Park boardwalk

The new boardwalk provides year-round, ADA accessibility to the city’s only public lake.

Raul Benitez Santana in the courtroom Wednesday. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Jury convicts driver in death of Washington State Patrol trooper

The jury took four hours Wednesday to find Raul Benitez Santana guilty of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault.

Madison Family Shelter Family Support Specialist Dan Blizard talks about one of the pallet homes on Monday, May 19, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Madison Family Shelter reopens after hiatus

The Pallet shelter village, formerly Faith Family Village, provides housing for up to eight families for 90 days.

Lake Stevens honors council member who died in office

Marcus Tageant, 52, served on the Lake Stevens City Council for more than a decade. He died on May 26.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.