Have you heard about Ranked Choice Voting (RCV)? Multi-member districts? There are many ways to manage elections that may be fairer than the winner-take-all system we have now. LWVBWC volunteers have produced short videos on
https://lwvbellinghamwhatcom.org/civics-education to explain RCV.
This year we have an opportunity to propose Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) in Whatcom County. Every 10 years a Charter Review Commission is elected to review the current charter and propose amendments that are then brought to the voters for approval. We are at that ten year mark now. If you are interested in offering ranked choice voting to Whatcom County voters, please consider filing for the Commission. The filing period is May 6-10. You need only be a registered voter and a resident of the
district you’re filing for. There is no fee for filing. For more information about filing for this one-year, nonpartisan position, click
here.
There is no primary election for these positions. Voters in November will choose up to three candidates on their ballot (by county council district). The top three votes in each of the five council districts are deemed elected, for a total of 15. Click
here for more information about the Charter Review Commission.
Charter Review Background and present LWV advocacy:
This process was initiated in November 1977, when voters in Whatcom County elected 21 individuals known as freeholders. Their job was to draft a Home Rule Charter for Whatcom County, which was then adopted.
The
Charter calls for, at least every ten years, a group of 15 citizens—forming a commission—to be elected to review it. This commission assesses whether the Charter still meets the needs of our community and, if necessary, they propose amendments for the following year's ballot. This review process started in 1985 and has recurred every decade since then.
In past decades, the League of Women Voters of Bellingham/Whatcom County has taken an active role in educating the public about the process, providing information about candidates, and observing. This year the League hopes to advocate for election reform and encourages anyone with an interest in this project to file for office.
The League’s forum team is also exploring ways to provide voter information and welcomes volunteers. If you have any questions, or you're interested in assisting with this important, time-limited project, please email
voterservices@lwvbellinghamwhatcom.org to learn more.
Check out some great articles about the Charter Review process written by League members in past years. One of our goals is to update them for 2024.
2014:
https://www.whatcomwatch.org/php/WW_open.php?id=1768
2004:
https://www.whatcomwatch.org/php/WW_open.php?id=481