Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County’s charter contains a provision that, 5 years after its adoption, it is to be reviewed by a charter review commission consisting of 15 persons elected on a non-partisan basis.  The election of the commission members will occur in the 2020 General Election.

“There has been some confusion in the community that the 5-year review meant the election of freeholders would take place in November of this year,” said Council Chair Eileen Quiring. “The date that starts the clock on the 5 years is when the charter was officially certified, and therefore adopted, which took place in late November 2014 after being approved by voters earlier that month. That means November 2020 is the next general election to occur after the 5-year mark.”

The charter review commission is made up of three residents from each of the four county council districts and three people elected countywide. The commission reviews the charter to determine adequacy and may propose amendments. Potential amendments would be submitted to county voters during the general election that follows the review process.

The in-person candidate filing period for the 2020 general election will begin Monday, May 11, 2020, and close Friday, May 15, 2020.

For information on the county charter, go to www.clark.wa.gov/councilors/clark-county-home-rule-charter.