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Ballot question

Snohomish County Charter Proposition 5: 4/5 Council vote to raise taxes

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. 5 Requiring a 4/5 Supermajority Council Vote to Increase Taxes The Snohomish County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the county charter concerning the approval of tax increases by the County Council. This proposition would require a 4/5 supermajority council vote to assess, levy, or increase any councilmanic tax. This proposition would amend Section 2.20 of the County Charter. Should this proposition be enacted into law:

A “Yes” vote means

Any tax the Council can impose without a public vote would need approval by 4 of 5 councilmembers. Fees, rates and special assessments would not be affected.

A “No” vote means

Taxes the Council can impose without a public vote would not need a 4/5 supermajority.

Official plain English statement

If approved by voters, this Proposition would amend the Snohomish County Charter to require any new tax that the Council can impose without a vote of the electorate be passed by a supermajority of the Council (4 out of 5 councilmembers). This Proposition would not affect County-imposed fees, rates and charges, or special assessments. This Proposition would amend Charter Section 2.20.

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.