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Ballot question

Snohomish County Charter Proposition 1: foundational government services policy

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

The question, as printed on the ballot

Proposed Amendments to the Snohomish County Charter Proposition No. 1 Adoption of a Foundational Government Services Policy The Snohomish County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the county charter concerning a policy to provide for, and sustain, core public services. This proposition would require the county legislature and executive branch to prioritize and protect funding for the offices of county Assessor, Auditor, Clerk, Executive, Prosecuting Attorney, Sheriff, Treasurer, and the District and Superior Court Judges. This proposition would add a new section to Article 6 of the County Charter. Should this proposition be enacted into law:

A “Yes” vote means

The charter would require the County Council to adopt and update a policy prioritizing funding for state-mandated offices and foundational services over expanding discretionary programs.

A “No” vote means

The charter would not add a foundational government services policy requirement; funding priorities stay as set in each budget.

Official plain English statement

If approved by voters, this proposition would add a section to the Snohomish County Charter to require the County Council to adopt, maintain, and periodically update a foundational government services policy that: (1) prioritizes the funding of state-mandated services, including, but not limited to, the offices of the Assessor, Auditor, Clerk, Executive, Prosecuting Attorney, Sheriff, Treasurer, and District and Superior Court Judges and the delivery of foundational services over the expansion of discretionary program, (2) promotes structural budget balance and long-term fiscal responsibility, and (3) establishes reserves, revenue stabilization, and financial planning. Foundational government services are defined under the categories of public safety, public works, public health and human services, emergency management, and core administrative and financial functions necessary to deliver foundational government services required by State law. The County Council shall, by ordinance, adopt and maintain policies necessary to effectuate the above requirement.

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.