WHy districts?

Similar cities have mixed or districted elections for city council races as at-large elections are considered less democratic. Seven out of ten similar First Class Cities (Aberdeen, Bellingham, Bremerton, Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Yakima) depend on districts or a mix of district and at-large voting for council members.

We are a city of neighborhoods, facing important regional challenges-school funding, high crime rate and gang activity, park maintenance, and homelessness-finding solutions to these challenges are different when you live in the area affected.

We also have a lot to celebrate and love about Everett, like steady jobs, historic homes, an active music scene, and incredible natural environment. We want all of Everett to feel involved and valued at city hall!  

why everett?

Lack of representation for the southern part of Everett and a lack of diversity in socio-economic status, class, gender, ethnicity and race are seen as a root cause of apathy. 
That apathy has given us low voter turn out, uncontested elections and limited citizen involvement. 

Women, people of color, and members from different socio-economic classes are the exception on boards and commissions and on the City Council. Everett can and must do better.

Research studies and examples from similar First Class Cities' experiences show that in addition to improving minority, gender, race, and class representation, districts improve voter turn out, create a more unified involvement in our communities, and decrease voter apathy. Charter cities with a similar governance structure and size have successfully converted to district voting and now it’s time for Everett to follow.

WHY NOW?

There is a need for systematic change to address the disparity in representation and establish voting on the principles of equality and justice. Everett currently relies on an undemocratic voting system by electing council members all at-large. As a result, we have a concentration of 5 out of 7 council members living in the northern region of the city and a lack of diversity in gender, socio-economic status, race and ethnicity.  

Public comments and input have been overwhelmingly in support of districted voting. Comments to both the City Council and the charter review committee (summer of 2016) have been in favor of creating districts and increasing representation. The Everett City Council has had multiple opportunities to give residents the chance to vote on this issue and they have repeatedly rejected calls for change. We have no other option but to move forward with a citizen’s initiative.

District representation has been successful for the Port of Everett and the Snohomish County. As a broadly representative committee, we see positive community engagement, diverse leadership and proud members of our community who live in the southern parts of the city.

Fair Representation