At least every 10 years since it was first adopted in 1981, the Pierce County Council is required to call for a Charter Review Commission to examine the effectiveness of the county’s governing document.
In accordance with Resolution 2015-14, Pierce County voters will elect a Charter Review Commission this fall that will spend approximately six months considering any proposed changes to the County Charter. Changes recommended by a majority of the commission will be considered by voters in 2016.
The 21-member citizen commission will include three members from each of Pierce County's seven Council districts. If more than two people file for a seat, that race will appear on the Aug. 4 primary ballot. All races will be decided in the Nov. 3 general election.
Potential candidates must:
- Be residents of Pierce County for the past five years.
- Reside in the council district of the position for which they are filing.
- Be a registered voter.
Filing will take place with the Pierce County Auditor between May 11-15, and the deadline to submit voters’ pamphlet information is May 22 at 4:30 p.m. Charter review commissioners are nonpartisan positions and are governed by the rules for nonpartisan elections.
Similar to a federal or state constitution, a county charter is a basic document of law defining the rights, liabilities and responsibilities of government. The Pierce County Auditor’s Office has compiled a Charter Review Commission Fact Sheet which is available at their website.
To view the Pierce County Charter and Code online, please visit the county’s website.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Erich R. Ebel, Pierce County Communications
253-798-6220
[email protected]