Elections

Election Resources

Initiative and Referendum Petitions and Ballot Items

Initiatives, referenda, and charter amendments are filed with the City Clerk’s office. View the Initiative and Referenda page and the City Charter for details. For recently filed and past initiatives, referenda, and charter amendments, or general questions (other than legal advice), contact the City Clerk’s Office.

City Council Elections

The City Charter provides for terms, qualifications, and responsibilities of the Mayor and City Council. The City Council also adopts its own Rules of Procedure.

City Charter Council Rules of Procedure Tacoma Municipal Code Council Meetings

 

City Council Qualifications, Responsibilities, and Terms

Per the City Charter:

Those seeking to run for a position on the Tacoma City Council must be qualified electors and residents of the City for two years immediately preceding the time of filing as a candidate.

• If running for a district position, they must be a resident in the district for one year immediately preceding the time of filing.
• Terms of office for Mayor and Council Members are four years.
• Salaries of the Mayor and each Council Member are determined by the Commission on Elected Salaries.
• The City Council is responsible for enacting all legislation, developing policies, and making general decisions for governing the City. Duties include adopting and amending City laws; approving the budget; establishing City policies and standards; approving contracts and agreements; and representing the City in the community.

The City Council typically meets on Tuesdays for study sessions at Noon, and regular business meetings at 5 p.m. The Mayor and Council Members also serve on various standing committees and other boards. Five Council Members constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

 

Civil Service Board Elections

Civil Service Board Qualifications, Responsibilities, and Terms

Per the City Charter:

• Those seeking to run for the Civil Service Board must be qualified electors and City residents.
• Terms of office for Civil Service Board Members are four years.
• Civil Service Board members serve without pay.

The Civil Service Board is responsible for administering the City’s civil service system; investigating any and all matters relating to conditions of employment in the service of the City as they affect civil service employees; making and promulgating Civil Service and Personnel Rules; and hearing appeals on matters arising out of or in connection with the Civil Service and Personnel Rules violations.

Internal (Employee) Elections

The City Clerk’s Office conducts internal elections for the Retirement Board and Civil Service Board employee member positions.