Showing posts with label elections. Show all posts
Showing posts with label elections. Show all posts

On the ballot: Renewal of the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy

Friday, July 14, 2023

King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski speaks in support of the VSHSL to the LFP City Council, Mayor, and citizens at the Lake Forest Park city council meeting on Thursday, July 13.
Photo by Mike Remarcke

King County Proposition No. 1 Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) is on the primary ballot for the August election.

The King County Council passed Ordinance 19604 concerning replacement of an expiring veterans, seniors and human services levy. 

If approved, this proposition would fund capital facilities and services for veterans, servicemembers, and their families; seniors and caregivers; and resilient communities susceptible to reduced health, housing, financial, or social stability outcomes. 

It would authorize an additional six-year property tax levy for collection beginning in 2024 at $0.10 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, with the 2024 levy amount being the base for calculating annual increases by 3.5% in 2025-2029; and exempt eligible seniors, veterans and disabled persons under RCW 84.36.381.

It is the largest source of funding for social service agencies in the county and as such has been endorsed by NUHSA as well as the Shoreline City Council.

 


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Primary for Shoreline School Board Position #4

Monday, July 10, 2023

School board meeting where budget cuts were announced.
Photo by Tanner Phillips

By Diane Hettrick

There are three candidates for the open seat on the Shoreline School Board, which means this race will be in the August 2023 election.

The two candidates with the most number of votes will advance to the November election.

Voter pamphlets will be mailed out on Tuesday, ballots on Wednesday. Ballots must be returned by Election Day, August 1, 2023, either mailed in with the postmark of August 1 or before, or deposited in a drop box by 8pm (not one minute later!)

They have submitted statements which include responses to questions we submitted to them. Their statements can be viewed by clicking the embedded link in each name.

They are listed in the order they appear on the ballot.

Shoreline School District No. 412, Director District No. 4


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Candidate for Shoreline School Board Position #4: Sylvia Gil

Sylvia Gil, School Board Candidate
Candidate for Shoreline School Board Position #4: Sylvia Gil

My name is Sylvia Gil and I am running for Shoreline School Board Director (District #4) to ensure all children in our District have access to high-quality education.

I am concerned that our current budget challenges, due to declining enrollment and state funding, will reduce critical support for students. 

While declining enrollment does not have a short-term solution, I think we can support efforts to ensure state funding covers the broad range of student needs. 

This is critical as the lack of funding can impact school budgets, reducing staff and programs that positively impact student experiences. 

Programs that support students should be retained, including family advocate staff that work with students and families to address critical needs.

As a Board member, I would value community engagement and support efforts to gather feedback and share information through school board meetings, forums, and direct conversations. 

I think it is important for the district to have a variety of opportunities for feedback to connect community considerations with policy and communications. Further, to align our priorities and increase transparency I would focus on developing a district strategic plan. A comprehensive plan would serve to guide and focus engagement on district-wide goals and needs.

In terms of my background, I have previous experience as a teacher, and have worked in health care administration and advocacy. Personally, I have lived in Shoreline for over 10 years, and I have a child in the district. I would bring a high level of commitment to serving on the Board to ensure that all children have high-quality education.



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Candidate for Shoreline School Board Position #4: Zack Stallings

Zack Stallings,
School Board Candidate
Candidate for Shoreline School Board Position #4: Zack Stallings

My name is Zack Stallings. I am a Shoreline native and a graduate of the Shoreline School District. I am running for the Shoreline School Board.

Shoreline School’s current budget crisis was brought on by a myriad of problems, but the solution is not to cut positions and programs like Family Advocates and Credit Recovery. 

These and other programs bring in students from out-of-district and keep students from leaving the district. With the implosion of Seattle Schools we can not afford to miss this opportunity to bring more students in. 

The most important position to maintain is Family Advocates, not only because this provides the most baseline support for families in crisis, but also because Shoreline and Lake Forest Park taxpayers willingly gave up their hard-earned money on the promise this program would be expanded and fully funded. 

Shoreline and LFP residents understand that children experiencing hardships cannot learn, and children who cannot learn here will learn somewhere else. I will never vote for a budget which so drastically reduces programs that help disadvantaged students.

As an employee of the Shoreline School District I am intimately aware of how this budget will affect our most vulnerable students. What I am not acutely aware of is: how exactly did we end up here? I know the community at-large feels blindsided by this deficit, and I know parents feel like they were left out of the loop on the Reduced Educational Plan. 

Far too often decisions are decreed from the top without community involvement; the anger and desperation of parents at the meeting where the Reduced Educational Plan was approved was palpable. 

Many felt like this was their only chance to say something. I will find ways to proactively include the community’s feedback before we get to that point.

A vote for me means a vote against educational plans that target our most disadvantaged students. I will not endlessly pontificate about achieving equitable outcomes for students, I will achieve them.

Thank you for your time, and for your vote.


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Candidate for Shoreline School Board Position #4: Hazim Ghanim

Hazim Ghanim,
School Board Candidate
Candidate for Shoreline School Board Position #4: Hazim Ghanim

  • Question: Funding is based on the student population. Considering that current conditions have resulted in reduced student numbers, do you think it’s possible to increase the student population in the short-term? What would be your suggestions to increase enrollment? 

While increasing the student population in the short-term may be challenging, it is achievable. To boost enrollment, I suggest implementing targeted outreach campaigns to highlight the unique strengths and opportunities our schools offer. 

We will need to collaborate with local community organizations, host open houses to attract potential students, and explore partnerships with nearby school districts. 

Offering specialized programs such as vocational training, arts programs, or STEM initiatives can attract students seeking unique educational opportunities. 

Adapting to changing educational needs, promoting a safe and inclusive environment, and enhancing extracurricular offerings are essential to attract new students and ensure their long-term success.

  • Question: What is your understanding of and experience with school budgets? 

With my experience as the treasurer of our school’s PTSA, I have developed a strong understanding of school budgets. In my role, I have been intimately involved in reviewing and creating the annual budget. I have also taken responsibility for closely monitoring and comprehending the cash flow. 

In my professional experience as a manager, I have gained experience in maintaining and proposing budgets for my team, navigating the fluctuations and changes that come with it. This firsthand involvement has provided me with practical knowledge of budgeting processes and the significance of financial management in both educational and professional contexts.

  • Question: If programs need to be reduced or cut, what are your priorities for programs to retain? Be as specific as possible. 

When faced with program reductions or cuts, my priorities for retention would be core academic programs, special education and support services, advanced placement and honors courses, career and technical education programs, extracurricular activities promoting student engagement, and social-emotional learning initiatives, including mental health support. These programs ensure a well-rounded education, address diverse student needs, and foster academic, social, and emotional growth.

  • Question: How would you as a member of the Board best share information with the community? 

As a board member I would leverage utilizing an array of communication channels. This includes regular updates and newsletters, community meetings, social media platforms, and the district website. 

Additionally, I would establish open lines of communication with PTA leadership across our community, collaborating closely with them to disseminate important information to parents and engage in two-way communication. By creating a network of communication, we can ensure transparent and timely sharing of information with the community, fostering trust and active involvement.

  • Question: How important is gathering information and feedback from the community? Why? And how would you go about that? 

Gathering information and feedback from the community is one of the most critical aspects of serving as a school board member. It is essential because the board's purpose is to represent and address the needs and desires of the community. By actively seeking input, we can ensure that decisions align with community expectations, enhancing transparency and accountability.

To gather community information and feedback, there are several approaches. This includes hosting regular town hall meetings where community members can voice their concerns and ideas. 

Establishing open lines of communication through surveys, online platforms, and dedicated email addresses to facilitate ongoing feedback. Collaborating closely with PTAs and other community organizations would also be valuable, as they can serve as conduits for collecting input and disseminating information. 

By actively engaging with the community through these channels, I would ensure that their voices are heard, fostering a collaborative and inclusive approach to decision-making.


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Elections: Two unopposed incumbents and one open seat with three candidates in Shoreline School Board races

Thursday, June 15, 2023

Because there are three candidates for District No. 4, this race will appear on the August primary ballot. It is an open seat, as the one term incumbent, Dr. Rebeca Rivera, is not running again.

Shoreline School District No. 412, Director District No. 4

Sylvia Gil 

With no opponents, Meghan Jernigan, District No. 1 and Sara Betnel, District No. 5 are effectively re-elected.

School board directors must live in the district they represent but every voter in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park votes in all races.


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Lake Forest Park: multiple candidates for open council seats and contested Mayoral race

Monday, May 22, 2023


At the close of the filing period on Friday, May 19, 2023, it appears that Lake Forest Park is in for a lively election season.

Long-time councilmember Tom French has left his council position to challenge incumbent mayor Jeff Johnson.

Vying for his council seat #6 are;

Phillippa Kassover has chosen to retire from her council seat (see previous article

Candidates who have filed for her seat #4 are:

Incumbent Lorri Bodi in position #2 has no challengers. Barring a vigorous and unlikely write-in candidate, she has effectively been re-elected to her seat. Her statement was previously published.

Races with more than two candidates will be in a primary in August with the top two advancing to the general election in November.

Residents can check their registration information at My Voter Information

--Diane Hettrick


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House and Senate bills signed by Gov. Jay Inslee to help enhance election security and remove barriers to civic participation

Sunday, May 21, 2023

Secretary of State Steve Hobbs
OLYMPIA — New laws and funding requested and supported by Secretary of State Steve Hobbs during the 2023 Legislative session will help ensure the integrity of Washington’s elections and improve access to the ballot for eligible voters.

The bipartisan elections measures signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee help advance Secretary Hobbs’ top priorities of election security, voter education, and fighting election disinformation.

“These new laws and critical funding will go a long way toward reducing barriers to voter registration and enhancing election security,” Secretary Hobbs said. 
“I thank the Legislature and Governor Inslee for the bipartisan support of these efforts to help ensure more secure and accessible elections and greater voter engagement and participation.”

These bills include:

Senate Bill (SB) 5208, Secretary of State-requested legislation sponsored by Sen. Yasmin Trudeau of Tacoma, enables online voter registration with the last four digits of a Social Security number instead of a driver license or state ID number. This benefits residents who do not need a driver license, including older voters and people with mobility issues.

SB 5112, Secretary of State-requested legislation sponsored by Sen. Sam Hunt of Olympia, streamlines voter registration at the Washington Department of Licensing while improving security and accuracy of voter rolls. Voter registration becomes automatic for people who have proven their citizenship while applying for an enhanced driver license or enhanced state ID card.

SB 5082, sponsored by Sen. Patty Kuderer of Bellevue, abolishes advisory votes, which voters have often found confusing. This bill clarifies that voters are being asked to decide issues, not provide opinions, and will save taxpayer money. Printing the advisory votes and their descriptions on ballots and in Voters’ Pamphlets cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in multiple election cycles.

“Advisory votes wasted public money, ballot space, and voters’ time, all to ask people to make decisions that had no consequences,” Sec. Hobbs said. “Getting rid of them was long overdue.”

SB 5152, Secretary of State-requested legislation sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez of Seattle, prohibits political campaigns from using realistic but false images, videos, or audio with undisclosed manipulation, known as “deepfakes,” to deliberately spread election disinformation. Campaigns targeted by deepfakes can now go to court to seek an injunction and sue for damages.

“As technology evolves, we have to be vigilant about malicious disinformation in new ways,” Sec. Hobbs said. “This law provides a new tool to keep people from being misled.”

SB 5182, sponsored by Sen. Joe Nguyen of Seattle, moves the filing period to run for office to begin on the first Monday in May, instead of later in the month. This change provides more time for county elections officials to produce informational materials in multiple languages.

SB 5459, sponsored by Sen. Hunt, redirects public records requests for information from the statewide voter registration database to the Secretary of State rather than county elections offices. The bill also exempts voted ballots and voted ballot images from public disclosure to protect voters’ identities.

“Due to deliberate disinformation during and after the 2020 election season, county elections offices have been inundated with public records requests,” Secretary Hobbs added. “Many of these requests tend to be overly complicated, involve sensitive information, and are targeted attempts to distract and overwhelm county auditors.”

The biennial state operating budget signed by Gov. Inslee May 16, 2023 invests in election protection by renewing the Office of the Secretary of State’s Information Security Grant Program. 

Launched in November 2022, these grants provide qualified Washington counties up to $80,000 each to cover investments in cyber and physical security improvements. Counties have used this funding to purchase or upgrade security software, hardware, and subscriptions; hire IT security personnel; make structural enhancements; and more.

Visit the Office of the Secretary of State’s Elections page to learn more about election system security.


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Candidate filing week May 15 - 19, 2023

Monday, May 15, 2023

Candidate filing week - May 15 - May 19, 2023

Candidates looking to run for office this year will have the opportunity to put their name on the ballot during the filing week of May 15 through May 19, 2023.

King County Elections encourages all candidates to file online. Online filing opens at 9am on May 15 and is open 24 hours a day until 4pm on May 19. Candidates may file in person until 4:30pm.
  • In-person assistance is available for those who need it at King County Elections Headquarters in Renton
  • Candidates may file by mail. Mailed filings must be received no later than 4:30pm on May 19, regardless of postmark. 
  • Candidates and campaigns can call 206-296-1565 with questions or for help filing.

The final deadline to withdraw one’s name from the ballot is 4:30pm on Monday, May 22.

An updated list of candidate filings will be posted by noon and 6pm each day until the filing week ends. The list will be finalized following the withdrawal deadline.

There are many offices subject to election this year, including county and city level offices, school boards, and special purpose districts. You can find the complete list of offices subject to election in King County on our website.

Candidates can sign up for notifications by email or text to get alerts about deadlines and other candidate-related information.

Candidates looking for more information, please contact us at 206-296-1565 or election.services@kingcounty.gov.



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Politics: LFP Mayor Jeff Johnson to run for reelection

Sunday, May 14, 2023

LFP Mayor Jeff Johnson
Lake Forest Park looks a little different than it did 12 years ago, and we’ve accomplished quite a bit. But there’s still a bit more to get done, and I’d like to see a few things through to completion.

Therefore, I’m excited to seek your votes one last time for Mayor of Lake Forest Park.

Working together, we’ve gotten a lot done in my two terms as mayor.
  • Our city has several new parks, including Five Acre Woods, Brookside Park, a reimagined Eagle Scout Park, and our exciting new future waterfront park.
  • We’ve made Lake Forest Park one of the top five safest cities in the State of Washington (according to several surveys).
  • We’ve added crucial culverts on Lyon and McAleer Creeks to improve water quality, flood mitigation, and fish passage.
  • We’ve assembled an excellent new leadership team, making it possible to survive COVID with no layoffs and minimal service disruption. (I would like to thank the entire staff for their sacrifice and dedication to the city with their willingness to take furlough days.)
  • Through the unpredictable economic landscape of the past few years, the city has maintained stable finances.
  • With our commitment to the environment, we created a new environmental task force, park board, and tree board.

In addition, my “Coffee with the Mayor” meet-ups, nights out against crime with our police force, and all the events we’ve brought back, like Picnic in the Park, Battle of the Bands, and Pet Parade, have blessed me with the opportunity to meet and get to know so many of you.

But there’s still much to do:
  • Complete more upstream culverts, including Ballinger Way and 35th.
  • Design and build the future waterfront park, giving all citizens a chance to enjoy Lake Washington.
  • We have many important decisions to make, including how to fund: road and park maintenance, our outstanding police department, and sidewalks.

Lake Forest Park has more challenges ahead, including minimizing the impact of Sound Transit, state zoning pressures, and how to remain safe and compassionate during these challenging times of rising crime, drug use, and homelessness. With so many wishes and wants from our diverse citizen base, there aren’t always solutions, but often compromises.

Our city remains a destination for people and families seeking a safe and friendly place to live, and I’d like to thank all of the people who have volunteered, run for office, and participated in making this the home it is for all of us.

Thank you for allowing me to serve. Let’s continue working together to move this city forward.

Mayor Jeff Johnson


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Public Disclosure Commission changing guidance on use of campaign contributions for a different race

Saturday, May 13, 2023

The Public Disclosure Commission voted Thursday to issue formal guidance regarding candidates’ use of contributions received for a previous campaign for a different office.

Under RCW 42.17A.490, a candidate who solicits contributions for a state, local, or judicial office may not use any unspent contributions to seek a different office without first obtaining written approval from the persons or entities who contributed the money.

PDC staff previously advised candidates to seek permission and then report the funds as a lump-sum transfer, which is consistent with how transfers to a subsequent campaign for the same office are treated under a different section of law, RCW 42.17A.430.

When questions about that informal guidance recently were raised, the staff took the issue to the Commission for a decision.

During Thursday’s special meeting called to discuss the issue, the Commission backed an alternative interpretation of the existing law. Under the Commission’s interpretation, such funds authorized for transfer to a campaign for a different office should be attributed to the individual donors in the new campaign’s reports and count toward applicable contribution limits for the new campaign.

The Commission directed staff to advise campaigns of its interpretation and to return with a written proposal for formal adoption at the May 25 meeting.


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Elections this fall for three school board positions

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

School board members must live in their district

Elections for Shoreline School Board District Directors will be held this fall for positions in Districts 1, 4 and 5. 

The filing deadline for candidates is May 15-19, 2023. Interested candidates must be registered voters residing in those respective district boundaries. 

The Shoreline School Board is a local board, established by the Washington State Legislature. Although each of the five members comes from a different geographical area in the district, all board members are elected by all Shoreline voters. Board members serve a four-year term.




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Interested in running for office? Candidate Filing Week is May 15-19

Friday, May 5, 2023

From the Office of the Washington Secretary of State

OLYMPIA — Candidate Filing Week is May 15-19, and the Office of the Secretary of State is joining county elections offices across Washington to accept applications for public office.

Nearly 3,400 local offices across the state are up for election this year, including more than 100 mayorships; many city and county council positions; and port, hospital, water, fire, and parks and recreation districts.

People interested in running for local or county offices may file with the county elections department in which a position resides. For filing instructions, candidates should contact their respective county elections office:


Applicants are encouraged to file online during the filing period, which runs from 9am Monday, May 15, until 4pm Friday, May 19. Those who wish to file online and pay the required fees via credit or debit card can do so any time — day or night — during the week.

Applicants may also download a Declaration of Candidacy form and mail it along with a check for the required fee to Candidate Filing, Office of the Secretary of State, P.O. Box 40229, Olympia, WA 98504-0229, or drop it off in person at the Secretary of State’s office in the Legislative Building, 416 Sid Snyder Ave. SW in Olympia during normal business hours. Filings and fees delivered by mail or in person must be received by 5pm May 19.

Candidates who cannot file online and who need in-person services should contact their county or state elections office to learn more about available services and business hours.

Once their filing is completed by the state or county, candidates will receive an email with instructions for submitting their Voters’ Pamphlet statement and photo online.

For more information, visit the Candidates and Campaigns page on the Secretary of State’s Elections site. There, applicants can download a candidate filing guide, read answers to frequently asked questions, and more. A brief instructional video is also available.


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Crisis Care Centers levy passing with 56% approval

Saturday, April 29, 2023

The King County Crisis Care Centers levy returns are holding steady at a 56.6% approval rate as of Friday, April 28, 2023. The levy only needed 50% to pass.

County Executive Dow Constantine's office released a statement

"King County Executive Dow Constantine applauds the approval of the Crisis Care Centers initiative, a nine-year levy that will create a regional network of five Crisis Care Centers, restore and increase mental health residential treatment beds, and invest in the people who do the difficult, important, and historically underpaid work of providing mental health and substance use disorder services.

"Building upon the unanimous support of the King County Council and city leaders from across the region, voters’ approval of the levy’s generational investment in places for people in crisis to go will create more capacity in hospitals and create therapeutic alternatives to jail. The Crisis Care Centers levy will begin collections in 2024 and is the most significant local investment in behavioral health facilities in county history."

Now approved, the Crisis Care Centers levy will:
  • Create Five Crisis Care Centers: Distributed geographically across the county, the centers will provide walk-in access and the potential for short-term stays to help people stabilize, depending on needs, with one center specifically serving youth.
  • Preserve and Restore Residential Treatment Beds: Slow the loss of residential treatment options that provide behavioral health supportive housing or a psychiatric residential treatment bed for longer-term stays with supports.
  • Invest in the Behavioral Health Workforce: Create career pathways through apprenticeship programming and access to higher education, credentialing, training, and wrap-around supports. It will also invest in equitable wages for the workforce at crisis care centers.
More information here


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Approval for Prop 1 Crisis Centers leading in first results

Wednesday, April 26, 2023


King County Prop 1, which would create a network of crisis centers around the county, is leading in the first set of results released on election night, April 25, 2025.

The "proposition would fund behavioral health services and capital facilities, including a countywide crisis care centers network, increased residential treatment; mobile crisis care; post-discharge stabilization; and workforce supports."

Proposition No. 1 results on election night
  • Approved 160,205   54.43 % 
  • Rejected    134,129   45.57 %
The requirement is a Simple Majority which is 50% of ballots cast plus 1.

Ballots counted so far represent 21% of registered voters.

Elections department will continue to count ballots. Results will be released weekdays until final results and certification on Friday May 5.


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Op-Ed: Vote Yes on Proposition 1, the Crisis Care Centers Levy

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Lake Forest Park resident and North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA) member Alison Carver generously shared the following personal story in order to encourage residents to vote YES on Prop. 1, the Crisis Care Centers Levy. 

To learn more, click here Vote by April 25th!
~~~

Vote Yes on Proposition 1, the Crisis Care Centers Levy. If approved, this proposition would fund behavioral health services and capital facilities, including a countywide crisis care centers network; increased residential treatment mobile crisis care; post-discharge stabilization; and workforce supports.

I don't share this information lightly but with the hopes your vote can prevent another unbearable loss.

My beautiful, talented, and brilliant daughter died by suicide on October 8th after numerous interactions with the broken mental health system in Washington State. She was seemingly thriving with a promising career, friends and her own apartment.

In the months before she died, she was transported to Harborview on numerous occasions, strapped in a four point restraint, left in a cart in a hallway in the ER, administered a dose of Haldol, then released the following day with no follow-up care. 

She was released from an involuntary 110 hour hold by a King County Judge, against the advice of her care team, doctors and social workers, again with no follow up care. She talked constantly about the trauma of being restrained and the physical scars the restraints left of her wrists and ankles.

I believe access to a walk in Crisis Care Center, staffed with trained medical teams, would have saved her life.

Please vote YES on Proposition 1. Ballots are due April 25th.


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Return special election ballots by April 25, 2023

Saturday, April 15, 2023

Photo courtesy King County
King County residents should have received their special election ballots.

Return your ballot by 8pm on April 25, 2023.

Locally there are drop boxes by Lake Forest Park City Hall, the Shoreline Library, and the 192nd and Aurora Park n Ride. 

Find other drop boxes: http://bit.ly/407hGff

In person voting at the Vote Center, Kenmore City Hall.



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King County hosting online workshops for people interested in running for local offices, April 15 and April 24

Thursday, April 13, 2023

Photo by Michael Carruth on Unsplash
King County is hosting several online candidate workshops providing information about filing for office in King County including submitting local voter’s pamphlet information, voter lists and data management, campaign sign regulations, and basic public disclosure information from the Public Disclosure Commission. 

Workshops are on Saturday, April 15 from 11am to 1pm and Monday, April 24, 2023 from 3pm to 5pm.

Candidate registration with King County starts May 14 and ends May 19. Information about candidacy and running for office is available from the King County Elections Home Page. In addition, candidates must register with the Public Disclosure Commission. Link to key dates with the PDC.

City of Shoreline City Council Elections November 2023


Three (3) City Council positions are up for election/re-election in November 2023: Positions 2, 4, and 6. Candidates must follow the guidelines and registration dates as posted by King County (see above).

As the City's governing body, Shoreline's seven elected part-time City Councilmembers establish City policies and laws, adopt an annual budget, approve appropriations, contract for services and grant franchises.

City Councilmembers serve staggered four-year terms; roughly half the Council is up for election every two years. All Councilmembers are "at-large" meaning that they serve the City as a whole as opposed to a specific district.

The mayor is a councilmember, elected by the council. The mayor sets the agenda for council meetings and represents the city on formal occasions.

City of Lake Forest Park Mayor and Council Elections November 2023


The Mayor and three (3) Lake Forest Park City Council positions are up for election/re-election in November 2023: Positions 2, 4, and 6. Candidates must follow the guidelines and registration dates as posted by King County (see above).

The Mayor and seven City Councilmembers are part-time, non-partisan elected officials who serve four-year terms. Municipal elections are held in November of odd-numbered years and terms are staggered so that no more than four positions are up for election every two years. All Councilmembers are elected "at-large," meaning they serve the City as a whole, as opposed to a specific district.

Unlike Shoreline, LFP has a Mayor/Council form of government.

The City Council is the legislative body of the City.  It enacts laws and regulations, establishes policy direction for the City, establishes tax and fee rates, adopts an annual budget, grants franchises, approves contracts for services, and payment of all City moneys.

The mayor is the executive branch of the city government, elected directly by the voters of Lake Forest Park for a four year term. The City of Lake Forest Park has a strong-mayor form of municipal government in which the mayor has the administrative authority to prepare and administer the budget, appoint a City Administrator, and appoint and dismiss department heads.


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April 25, 2023 King County Ballot: Crisis Care Centers Levy

Saturday, April 8, 2023

King County Executive Dow Constantine and a regional coalition of leaders announced a plan in September 2022 to address the behavioral health crisis by creating a countywide network of five crisis care centers, investing in the recruitment and retention of the community behavioral health workforce, and restoring the number of residential treatment beds in the region. 

The plan would be funded by a nine-year property tax levy to treat immediate crisis and support long-term recovery and wellbeing.

In January of this year, the levy was approved by the King County Council to be submitted to voters for approval in April 2023.

“We must do more to deliver the behavioral health care people need, when they need it, especially in a moment of crisis. 

"Today, we are telling the thousands of King County residents in behavioral health crisis, their families, and our communities – help is on the way,” said Executive Dow Constantine. 

“The behavioral health system in this state has long been underfunded and underappreciated. The pandemic added further stress, and need is increasing even as we lose both treatment beds and qualified workers. 
"Now, we can chart a path forward as a region – to create places where people can receive the effective care they need and begin their journey to recovery. This is an opportunity to make the generational investment our region needs.”

The proposal is estimated to cost the owner of a median-value home about $121 in 2024. The levy would continue through 2032, generating a total of $1.25 billion to stabilize and strengthen King County’s behavioral health crisis care system.

Financial impact for homeowners: John Wilson, King county assessor, has a tool to let individual property owners see the specific financial impact of levies. See it here to compute the financial impact of this specific levy.


Ballots for the levy are now arriving in local mailboxes, along with a local voters' pamphlet. Besides the Executive and County Council, the levy is endorsed by Seattle Metropolitan Chamber, MLK Labor Council, and SEIU 1199NW. The opposing statement is written by Tim Eyman, Jim Coombes, and Suzie Burke.

The Seattle Channel has a forum on the levy which can be viewed here.

For questions about this measure contact Dan Floyd, Deputy Director, King County Behavioural Health and Recovery Division, 206-263-8961, Daniel-DCHS.Floyd@kingcounty.gov


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Csenka Favorini-Csorba elected to King Conservation District (KCD) Board

Monday, March 6, 2023


Csenka Favorini-Csorba
The 2023 KCD Board Election results are in. KCD’s 2023 Board Election wrapped up Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at 8:00pm. Final results have been tallied by King County Elections.

With 13,749 ballots counted, this election is a record turnout for KCD.

Csenka Favorini-Csorba won the election with 50.98 % of the vote. 

Conservation district board elections aren’t final until certified by the Washington State Conservation Commission. 

The commission will review the election results and certify it at an upcoming meeting. Csenka will take her seat on the board in June of 2023.

KCD Board of Supervisors Appointed Position

KCD will also have position #5 up for appointment by the Washington State Conservation Commission (WSCC). This is an appointed position selected by the WSCC. Applications for the appointed seat will be accepted by the WSCC January through March of 2023.

Learn more on our Elections Page



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