Pierce County Moves Forward With Plan To End Elected Sheriff Position

Pierce County voters will decide this November whether to change the sheriff's office from an elected position to an appointed one after the Charter Review Commission approved Amendment C-1. The proposal would give the Pierce County executive the authority to appoint the sheriff instead of allowing voters to choose the county's top law enforcement official. Commissioners also added last-minute language that would end Sheriff Keith Swank's current term on Jan. 1, 2027, if voters approve the measure. Critics argue the amendment removes voter control and specifically targets Sheriff Swank, while supporters say an appointed sheriff would improve accountability and align Pierce County with other local governments. The measure now heads to the November ballot, where voters will have the final say. #PierceCounty #KeithSwank #Sheriff #PublicSafety #WashingtonPolitics #Election2026 #Tacoma #LocalGovernment #GovernmentAccountability #WashingtonState #VoterRights #PierceCountySheriff #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #CharterReviewCommission