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.

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

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Firefighters respond to a 911 call on July 16, 2024, in Mill Creek. Firefighters from South County Fire, Tulalip Bay Fire Department and Camano Island Fire and Rescue left Wednesday to help fight the LA fires. (Photo provided by South County Fire)
Help is on the way: Snohomish County firefighters en route to LA fires

The Los Angeles wildfires have caused at least 180,000 evacuations. The crews expect to arrive Friday.

x
Edmonds police shooting investigation includes possibility of gang violence

The 18-year-old victim remains in critical condition as of Friday morning.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River. Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council approves water, sewer rate increases

The 43% rise in combined water and sewer rates will pay for large infrastructure projects.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

The Everett Municipal Building on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett council approves $111 million construction of sewer project

The Port Gardner Storage Facility, in the works for more than a decade, will help prevent overflows of the city sewer system.

Two students walk along a path through campus Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, at Everett Community College in Everett, Washington. A group of nearly 20 community groups are planning to study how to make it easier for young people to find jobs. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Goal for Everett coalition: Make it easier for young people to find jobs

The organizations hope the months-long process will improve access to resources for young people.

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.