Everett voters to elect city council members by district in ‘historic’ election

The move to district-based city council seats, decided by voters in 2018, was sparked by concerns about unfair representation.

EVERETT, Washington – For the first time ever, residents of Everett will vote for city council members by district, closer to where they live, in this election.

There are now seven city council offices in total. There are five districts to choose from this year, and two city-wide positions are available for election in 2023.

According to the Snohomish County’s accountancy bureau, the goal is to make the vote more equitable for the city council.

“Everett is pretty average or below average in terms of turnout,” said Garth Fell, Snohomish County’s auditor. “So if choosing city councils by district can lead to more participation, then I think that’s good for the city. I think that’s good for the residents.”

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The move to district voting was approved by Everett voters in 2018.

Everett District Now community-based organization says the vote was not always fair and that in 2018 five out of seven council members lived in the northern part of the city, making residents feel left out elsewhere.

The city has created an interactive map that residents can use to find their neighborhood.

Fell says voting brochures have been mailed out, but questions can be directed to the auditor’s office.

Voters have until November 2nd until 8 p.m. to cast their ballot papers.