Election system to cost Tacoma Port District

The Port of Tacoma Commission seat currently held by retiring Jack Fabulich is attracting candidates. Most voters would think of more choice on the ballot as a good thing. However, the Port District is looking at a big bill for an unneccesary election.

With the current system for electing non-partisan officials in the state of Washington, any time a race attracts more than two candidates, the Auditor is required to hold a primary. Primaries cost money. For a district such the Port of Tacoma, the expense is likely to be in excess of $200,000.

How could the Port District save this expense without discouraging candidates from running? With the implementation of Ranked Choice Voting such as being used by county level officials in Pierce County, the Port District could eliminate the primary and save the expense.

Unfortunately, the Port currently does not have this option. It requires enabling state legislation to allow the Port the option to save this money. Let's hope the legislature passes this enabling legislation in its next session.