Big Decisions Ahead for Clark County Voters — Ballots Are Here!
Clark County voters will be receiving their ballot this weekend for the 2025 General Election. Residents in several municipalities will be voting on several key propositions and amendments. For all county residents, this ballot will include the opportunity to select three candidates to represent you on the Clark County Charter Review Commission.
Proposed Vancouver Charter Amendment No. 13
Concerning Voting Districts and City Council Member Elections
After several attempts in 1994, 1999, 2009, 2019, and finally 2024 by the mayor-appointed Vancouver Charter Review Commission to get the City Council to approve district elections, the council has placed a measure on the ballot to create a city districting commission. The proposal would shift four council seats to district-based elections while keeping the mayor and two seats at-large and would go into effect in 2027. Supporters say it would give neighborhoods a stronger voice, make council seats more attainable for a wider range of candidates, and combine the benefits of both at-large and district representation. Opponents argue it could add administrative complexity, enable gerrymandering, and does not require councilors to live in the districts they represent.
Vancouver Proposition No. 5
Police and Public Safety Services Levy Lid Lift
Following the failure of a similar public safety measure in 2024, the Vancouver City Council has placed a levy increase on the ballot of roughly $0.15 per $1,000 assessed valuation to fund police and public safety services for six years including 13 additional officers and new equipment. If approved, the city plans to seek available state grants under House Bill 2015 that was passed by the state legislature earlier this year to support hiring and retaining officers. Proponents note that Vancouver currently has the second-lowest staffed police department in Washington State and ranks last in officers per capita nationwide. Opponents argue the measure would create a permanent tax burden without addressing the capacity of Clark County courts or the jail system.
Camas and Washougal Proposition No. 2
Creation of Camas-Washougal Regional Fire Protection Service Authority
The Camas and Washougal city councils have jointly approved a Regional Fire Authority (RFA) Protection Service Plan to create a dedicated Regional Fire Protection Service Authority under Washington law. If voters approve, the plan would fund a three-person crew with a $1.05 per $1,000 assessed value property tax, while both cities would reduce their existing fire taxes to offset the increase. Supporters say it provides stable, independent funding for fire services, while opponents claim Camas may keep part of the current tax revenue for other programs instead of fully honoring the offset.
Port of Camas-Washougal Proposition No. 1
Port Commissioner Terms
The Board of Commissioners for the Port of Camas-Washougal have adopted a resolution that would increase the length of Port Commissioner’s term from four years to six years. Proponents argue that a longer term will limit commissioner turnover and would retain experienced commissioners. In addition, it would make the port more consistent with nearly every other port in Washington State that have six-year terms. Opponents did not submit a formal statement, but Future 42 Clark County feels that extending term limits could undermine the democratic process by reducing the frequency with which voters can hold elected officials accountable. Four years is the appropriate length of time for elected officials to serve before making the case to voters for another term.
ONCE EVERY 5-YEAR ELECTION FOR CLARK COUNTY CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION WILL OCCUR ON NOV 4TH – BALLOTS ARE BEING MAILED NOW
Clark County voters are receiving their ballots for the 2025 General Election. Among other races, this ballot will include the opportunity to select three candidates to represent you on the Clark County Charter Review Commission.
What is the Charter Review Commission?
Clark County is a charter county. The charter is the highest law in the county, and it can only be amended by a vote of the people. Every five years (as we are doing in 2025), voters elect 15 commissioners (3 commissioners per geographic district) to serve an unpaid one-year term on the Charter Review Commission. The Commission’s role is to review the current charter, evaluate potential changes, receive public input, and ultimately propose charter amendments to be considered by a vote of the people on the subsequent General Election ballot (in this case, 2026.)
Why does the Charter Review Commission matter?
Big changes can be proposed through the Charter Review Commission. These changes, if approved, can be very difficult to undo, as the Charter Review Commission only meets to evaluate changes once per decade. Potential issues to be discussed by the Commission members next year could include adopting ranked-choice voting, replacing elected offices with appointed, changes to the way tax increases are adopted and whether certain budgetary proposals, such as requirements to increase public safety funding, are within the commission’s legal authority.
It is critical that citizens make their voice heard through the Charter Review Commission. That starts by voting in this fall’s General Election to select your three preferred Charter Review Commission candidates to represent your geographic district.
BE SURE TO SUBMIT YOUR BALLOT ON OR BEFORE
GENERAL ELECTION DAY – NOVEMBER 4TH