So, You’re Thinking About Running for City Council?

The Chamber is a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion of a strong community. The Chamber supports strong civic engagement and we make it a point to be at the heart of important issues like workforce development, quality of life, and civic engagement. That said, the Chamber does not endorse candidates. We do provide nonpartisan information and host community education and outreach events.

While there are dozens of offices open for election in this year’s general election, there has been significant interest in the three open council seats for City of Shelton. We hope you will find the following information helpful as you consider running for public office.

Confirm Your Eligibility

Each elective office has eligibility requirements. RCW 35A.12.030 requires candidates in code cities to be registered to vote within the city and to have been a city resident for at least one year at the time of filing for candidacy.

Anyone considering running for elective office should review their voter registration at VoteWA to make sure their residential address and county are correctly listed. If not, it can be updated online, by mail, or in person at a county elections office.

Get Up to Date on City Council

This will not only educate you on how Council meetings function, but also give you a crash course on the issues, and (if you are challenging an incumbent) what your opponent has said about these issues. Voters will generally reward a candidate who can speak to the issues intelligently over one who cannot.

Watch some City Council meetings so you know what you are signing up for. Meetings are every Tuesday at 6:00p, usually last two hours or less, and are broadcast MasonWebTV. Recent topics include:

• Water Capacity: Reservoir Storage Options (3/21/23); Angleside Pressure Zone (3/7/23); Water/Sewer Rate & GFC Study (2/7/23); Well 1 Rehab (1/3/23); Water Comp Plan (12/6/22)
• Roads: 6-Year Transportation Improvement Plan (4/4/23 & 7/19/22) & Local Road Safety Plan (1/17/23 & 1/18/22)
• Annexations: Meadow’s Edge (4/4/23); Peacock Ridge (2/21/23); Port of Shelton (2/17/23); Processes (2/22/22); Common Development Standards (1/28/22)
• Homelessness, Task Force, & Outcomes: Designated Crisis Responder (2/7/23); Recommendations (11/22/22); Camping on Private Property (8/2/22); Blake & Boise Decisions (6/28/22)
• Jail Services: Mason County Jail Services (1/17/23); Jail Outsourcing (12/6/23); County Jail (11/4/22)

There are also many study sessions that address various processes and future plans, such as: Code Enforcement (4/11/23); B&O Taxes (3/28/23); Housing Options (3/14/23), Enterprise Fleet Study (1/24/23); Land Use Regulations (11/8/22); Permitting Process (9/13/22); Downtown Visioning (8/9/22); Park Funding Strategies (7/26/22); Public Works Laydown Yard (6/14/22); ER&R (5/10/22).

You may also consider reviewing adopted plans and documents that speak to the City’s current direction like the Council Strategic Goals 2022-2025, Comp Plan & Downtown Visioning, and Parks, Recreation, Open Spaces, and Trails Plan.

Seek Expert Advice

You may wish to seek advice from someone who has run for Council before. Reach out to current or former Council members and seek their perspective. City of Shelton’s elected officials are usually happy to have a cup of coffee with a citizen and will be happy to offer their thoughts.

Mark Your Calendar & Review Candidate Filing Information

May 15 Candidate Filing Week Opens (File in Person or by Mail)

May 19 Candidate Filing Closes (Lot Draw for Ballot Order after 4:00p)

May 22 Candidate Withdrawal Deadline

August 1 Primary Election

November 7 General Election

Study Resources

2023 Budget (City of Shelton)

City Council Protocol Manual (City of Shelton)

So you want to be an elected official… Practical information for people running for office in Washington’s cities and towns (Association of Washington Cities)

Small City Resource Manual: A guide for Washington’s small cities and towns (Association of Washington Cities)

Getting Into Office: Being Elected or Appointed into Office in Washington Counties, Cities, and Towns, and Special Districts (Municipal Research and Services Center)

Knowing the Territory: Basic Legal Guidelines for Washington City, County, and Special District Officials (Municipal Research and Services Center)

Resources for Candidates (Public Disclosure Commission)

Candidate FAQ (Public Disclosure Commission)