Serving on the City Council

Who is eligible to serve as a Councilmember?

A candidate for City Council must be a:

• Must be over the age of 18
• A U.S. Citizen eligible to vote
• A registered voter residing within the City of Snohomish

What are the primary election requirements?

Candidates who meet the legal qualifications above must file a Declaration of Candidacy with Snohomish County Elections within the filing period in May (of odd years). There is no filing fee. The general election is in November (of odd years) but the Primary Election Day is in August (of odd years). If no more than two people file for a position, there is no primary election for that position.

What are the November election procedures?

Councilmembers are elected by registered voters of the city. Newly elected Councilmembers take office at the first Council meeting of the next year (following certification of election results by the Snohomish County Elections Officer).

What is the purpose of Council position numbers?

Washington State election law requires that if more than one position with the same name (Councilmember) and position number (Snohomish) will be voted upon during an election, the positions to be filled shall be designated by number. This means that candidates must file for a specific position on the City of Snohomish City Council. 

How often does the City Council meet?

Regular Council meetings are currently held the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm. Council meetings are held in a hybrid format in the Carnegie, 105 Cedar Avenue, and using Zoom. Special Meetings are called as needed. The meeting schedule and start-times are subject to change. 

What time commitment is required?

The duties of a Councilmember involve an average minimum commitment of 30-40 hours per month for preparation, participation and attendance at meetings (regular and special City Council meetings, community meetings and committee meetings for regional appointments). Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact a current Councilmember to ask what the experience is like and what is involved.

How long is a Councilmember’s term?

Councilmembers are elected to a term of four years.

How are vacancies filled when a Councilmember leaves prior to the end of his or her term?

In case of a vacancy, the remaining Councilmembers will appoint someone to fill the vacancy until the next regularly scheduled election pursuant to RCW 42.12.070 and as outlined in the City Council Rules of Procedure. The Council will publish a notice of the vacancy, the procedure by which the vacancy will be filled, and the application form on the City’s website and distribute the information through other media channels. Interviews of candidates will take place during a meeting open to the public.

How is the Board President elected? What are the roles of the Board President?

The Board President is elected from among the Councilmembers for a two-year term. At the first Council meeting of the even calendar years, the City Clerk will entertain a motion for "nominations" for a Councilmember to serve as Board President. Approval is by majority vote of Council members present. The mayor presides at all Council meetings, votes as a Councilmember and does not have any veto power. The Board President serves in the mayor’s absence.