If approved by the voters, the amendment would add Section 2.19 to the City Charter to allow election by district for some members of the Vancouver City Council

VANCOUVER – On June 9, the Vancouver City Council adopted a resolution to place a proposed amendment to the City Charter on the Nov. 5 General Election ballot.

If approved by the voters, the amendment would add Section 2.19 to the City Charter to allow election by district for some members of the Vancouver City Council.

As part of the ballot measure process, Washington State law, RCW 29A.32.280 requires cities to seek residents to be appointed to serve on either the Pro or Con committee for each ballot measure. To be eligible for appointment, individuals must reside within the jurisdictional boundaries of Vancouver.

“Residents may wonder why we are appointing committee members seeming so early in the electoral process,” said Communications Director Laura Shepard. “This is because we must submit committee member names to the County Elections Office by August 5, followed by statements on August 15. We want to ensure the community has ample time to volunteer for these important roles.”

Once appointed, both committees work independently of the city to prepare a written statement advocating either approval or rejection of the ballot measure to appear in the Clark County Voters Pamphlet. Committee members’ names will be included with the statement. The committees will also have an opportunity to prepare and submit a rebuttal in response to the statement prepared by the opposition.

Interested residents can apply for either the Pro or Con Committee by contacting the City Manager’s Office at CMO@cityofvancouver.us by Monday, June 30 at 5 p.m. City staff will present the committee member appointments to the City Council at the July 14 Council Meeting.

Information provided by the city of Vancouver.