Elected Office's Responsibilities and Terms

The following offices have different qualifications to run and serve, and varying responsibilities. One common qualification for all these elected offices is that a candidate must be a registered voter. Click here to view open offices.

Odd Year Offices Responsibilities
Term (Years)
Port of Tacoma Commissioner  Operates, manages, equips, and maintains the port and establishes Port policies that impact the Port of Tacoma.
4 
City/Town Mayor Works with the city council to enact legislation. Runs the day-to-day business of the city government.
4 
City/Town Council Approves the city’s budget, develops laws and policies, and oversees public services.
4 
School District Director/Position Sets policies for schools, provides oversight for the operations of the school system, and represents the interests of the community on public education issues.
4 
Tacoma School District Director/Position Sets policies for schools, provides oversight for the operations of the school system, and represents the interests of the community on public education issues.
6
Fire District Commissioner Oversees fire services including fire response and protection, emergency medical aid, and more.
6
Water District Commissioner Oversees the water district to provide clean, safe drinking water.
6
Sewage/Wastewater Commissioner  Oversees the sewer district to maintain facilities, meet water needs, and meet environmental requirements.
6
Park District Commissioner Develops goals, sets policies, and oversees regulation of district parks.
4 - 6
Even Year Offices Responsibilities
Term (Years)
Pierce County Executive Responsible for the implementation of council and commission policies and the day-to-day administration of county government and services.
4
Pierce County
Auditor
 Oversees elections and voter registration, recording and maintenance of permanent county records, licensing of vehicles and vessels, and financial services. 
4
Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney  Represents the state and county in criminal matters, prosecutes felonies in the county and some misdemeanors, serves as legal counsel for county officials, and oversees the Family Support Division, which includes establishing paternity and child support.
4
Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer  Determine the value of all taxable real and personal property within their jurisdiction for the purpose of equitable distribution of the tax liabilities of property owners for various districts.
4
Pierce County Sheriff Oversees a number of duties relating to law enforcement and public safety, jails and confinement facilities, and civil functions for the court system. 
4
Pierce County Council  Responsible for passing legislation, setting county policy, adopting the county’s budget, and holding transparent government meetings. 
4
Superior Court Judge Decide matters in various divisions such as Civil, Juvenile, Civil Mental Health, and Adoptions. 
4
Pierce County District Court Judge Hears and decides misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases where damages amount to less than $50,000, small claims, traffic cases and requests for domestic violence protection orders.
4
Municipal Court Judge  Hears and decides misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor crimes, including domestic violence, DUI, traffic infractions, parking tickets and littering.
4