The Washington State Constitution (ratified October 1, 1889) describes the county home rule charter in Article XI, Section 5. Home rule means a county has established a charter — something like a constitution — that outlines how the county is to be governed. The charter must comply with state law.
The Snohomish County charter was last updated in the 2016 general election held November 8.
Every 10 years, Snohomish County voters elect three nonpartisan commissioners from each county council district to serve as the charter review commission.
The commission shall review the charter to determine its adequacy and suitability to the needs of the county and may propose amendments. Members of the commission shall serve without salary, but shall be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. The county council shall provide the commission with reasonable funds, facilities and services appropriate to an elected agency.
The commission may propose amendments to the charter after review and seeking public input. Individuals may submit amendments as well, assuming sufficient signatures. The county council may also propose amendments; only counties with home rule operate with a county council.
Any amendments submitted successfully will appear on the November 2026 general election ballot. The Snohomish County charter review commissioners serve a one-year term beginning January 1, 2026. Seven Washington State counties operate under home rule.
But what does the charter do?
A local charter (constitution) governs home rule counties and ensures local control and local decision-making. In other words, local democracy.
I’m asking you to cast one of your three votes this fall for me, Kathy Gill.
