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Ballot question

Pierce County Charter Amendment 57: nondiscrimination categories

On the ballot in
Pierce County
Vote
Yes or no
Election
Nov 3, 2026

The question, as printed on the ballot

The Pierce County Charter Review Commission proposed an amendment to Section 9.65 of the Pierce County Charter concerning Nondiscrimination. If approved, this amendment will revise the prohibition on discrimination in the performance of County duties. The prohibition on discrimination may not infringe on, diminish, or impair any right secured by the U.S. Constitution or Washington State Constitution. Should this proposed Charter amendment be:

A “Yes” vote means

The Charter's ban on discrimination in county duties is revised to list more categories, such as national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, and military or veteran status.

A “No” vote means

The Charter keeps its current ban on discrimination based on race, creed, color, sex, age and handicap.

Official plain English statement

Section 9.65 of the Pierce County Charter establishes the prohibition on discrimination. Currently, the statement prohibits discrimination based on race, creed, color, sex, age and handicap. If approved, the Charter amendment will revise the statement to prohibit discrimination based on sex; race; color; national origin or ancestry; creed; disability; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age except by minimum age and retirement provision; genetic testing results; status as a family caregiver; pregnancy, childbirth, or lactation; and military or veteran status. The prohibition on discrimination may not infringe on, diminish, or impair any right secured by the U.S. Constitution or Washington State Constitution.

Sources

The question and plain English statement are copied word for word from official election materials. The Gist does not take a side on ballot questions.