In Washington, Voters Keep a Controversial County Sheriff in the Saddle

In Washington, voters keep a controversial county sheriff in the saddle

Voters in one Washington state county want to keep electing the sheriff, even if they are not enamored with the one in the job today. In another, they preserved their ability to know the partisan ties of candidates seeking the top legislative and executive positions. And, in one of the state’s most populous cities, the electorate put the kibosh on double-dipping by the mayor and City Council members.  These are among the high-profile reform meas…

Pierce County voters keep a controversial sheriff in the saddle

Several high-profile reform measures across Western Washington were decided on Election Day in a handful of cities and counties governed by a written charter.

In WA, voters keep a controversial county sheriff in the saddle • Washington State Standard

Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank testifies before the Washington state Senate Law and Justice Committee in Olympia on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (Screenshot courtesy of TVW)Voters in one Washington state county want to keep electing the sheriff, even if they are not enamored with the one in the job today. In another, they preserved their ability to know the partisan ties of candidates seeking the top legislative and executive positions. And, in o…

Washington Voters Decide County Sheriff, Term Limit and Government Reform Measures

OLYMPIA, WA — Voters in one Washington state county want to keep electing the sheriff, even if they are not enamored with the one in the job today. In another, they preserved their ability to know the