Charter Amendment 7 : Independent and Minor Party Ballot Access

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

This proposed amendment would eliminate the requirement that minor party and independent candidates need to nominate a candidate according to state law. If passed, this amendment would make minor party and independent candidates subject to the same filing requirements as major party candidates.

"FOR" STATEMENT

Amendment 7 improves voter choice and levels the playing field for independent and minor-party candidates in county-level elections. The Auditor’s Blue Ribbon Review Panel identified a confusing part of the Charter and has recommended this amendment to clarify the ballot-access procedures for independents and minor-party candidates.

Representatives of the political parties and of several community groups from across the political spectrum, serving on the Blue Ribbon Review Panel, all agreed that this clarification improves our process and charter.

Vote Yes on Amendment 7.

Kelly Haughton, Citizens for a Better Ballot
Lyz Kurnitz-Thurlow, League of Women Voters of Tacoma-Pierce County

James L. Walton

"AGAINST" STATEMENT

No one filed an "Against" statement. This part of the statement will be blank.