Letter: League of Women Voters urges Everett to consider district voting

The League of Women Voters of Snohomish County has taken a position in favor of a district or combination district/at-large method for the election of Everett’s City Council members.

Demographers currently predict Everett to grow by 60,000 people by 2030. The pressure of those arrivals is being felt even now in neighborhood traffic, rising house prices and rent increases. Are the voices of Silver Lake, Lake Stickney, Holly Road, Casino Road, Mariner, View Ridge, Lowell, Riverview, Bayside, Port Gardner, Forest Park, Seaview neighborhoods all reflected in the current At Large makeup of the Everett City Council? Not under the present structure. As the population grows, the requirements of the city’s changing citizenry and varied commercial entities need to be heard within the discussions of the city council.

The small town “at large” approach to governing that provided Everett with its historically strong base of caring, committed officials now requires a modernized design that restores civic engagement with representation that is once again locally based. One opportunity for that would be to create districts. In spite of the vote taken recently by the Charter Committee on a districting proposal, this council should continue to stay open to ideas that would extend greater inclusion and examine closely the prospect of creating voting districts within the geographic boundaries of the city. To begin now with efforts to generate boundaries for such voting districts would allow for adequate weigh-in by all stakeholders and put in place the steps to carry Everett smoothly into its urbanizing future.

The League of Women Voters has long held a position on fair and equal representation that allows the strongest input for citizens and the greatest degree of communication between office holders and constituents. It stands ready to support the council in educating the public on this matter while encouraging participation by widening voter registration efforts. We urge the mayor and council to move the city toward districting or a combination of districting and at-large voting!

Joan Smith, President, LWV/SC

Everett

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Tuesday, July 15

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

2024 Presidential Election Day Symbolic Elements.
Editorial: Perkins, in strong field, best for Marysville council

The fifth-grade teacher hopes to improve outreach and participation with neighborhood meetings.

State should have given ferry contract to shipyard here

The state of Washington’s decision to award its newest ferry construction contract… Continue reading

Some Democrats did question Biden’s fitness to run

Recently, a letter to the editor said that Democrats would not say… Continue reading

Dowd: Trump’s good-looking Cabinet making him look bad

Trump’s toadies are keeping the truth from him and making decisions on their own that dog the president.

Goldberg: Why Nebraska may make GOP pay for its awful bill

It will be tough for Democrats to win the Senate, but an independent union leader could tip the balance.

Comment: Trump era will prove consequential; but as he hopes?

Trump has taken far-reaching steps in foreign and domestic policy. What follows will write his history.

Authorities search for victims among the rubble near Blue Oak RV park after catastrophic flooding on the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, Texas, on Sunday, July 6, 2025. The half-mile stretch occupied by two campgrounds appears to have been one of the deadliest spots along the Guadalupe River in Central Texas during last week’s flash floods. (Jordan Vonderhaar/The New York Times)
Editorial: Tragic Texas floods can prompt reforms for FEMA

The federal agency has an important support role to play, but Congress must reassess and improve it.

2024 Presidential Election Day Symbolic Elements.
Editorial: Retain Escamilla, Binda on Lynnwood City Council

Escamilla was appointed a year ago. Binda is serving his first term.

A Volunteers of America Western Washington crisis counselor talks with somebody on the phone Thursday, July 28, 2022, in at the VOA Behavioral Health Crisis Call Center in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Editorial: Dire results will follow end of LGBTQ+ crisis line

The Trump administration will end funding for a 988 line that serves youths in the LGBTQ+ community.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Monday, July 14

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Comment: Midterm messaging fight for working class has begun

And Democrats have a head start thanks to the GOP’s all-in support for cuts to the social safety net.

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.