Pierce County Voters to Decide Whether Sheriff Should Be Appointed

Pierce County voters will decide whether their sheriff should continue to be elected by voters or instead become an appointed position as Charter Amendment 53 heads to the November 3, 2026 ballot. Pierce County Charter Amendment 53 would change the county sheriff from an elected position to an appointed position, fundamentally changing how the Pierce County Sheriff's Office is led. The sheriff isn't the only major public safety issue Pierce County voters will consider. Charter Amendment 54 would create a Public Safety Ombuds to provide independent oversight of the Executive Department of Sheriff. The debate over the Pierce County Sheriff's Office is also unfolding alongside the race for Pierce County Council District 7. Mike Solan, a former Seattle Police Officers Guild president, discusses his campaign and his views on public safety, taxes, regulations and voter participation. Pierce County voters will also decide a major Pierce Transit funding measure. Proposition 1 would increase Pierce Transit's local sales tax rate from 0.6% to 0.9%, an increase of 0.3 percentage points, or 3 cents for every $10 spent on qualifying purchases. Pierce Transit says the additional revenue would fund expanded bus routes, more frequent service, longer operating hours, expanded paratransit and fare-free bus and SHUTTLE rides for seniors age 65 and older. With Election Day approaching, Pierce County voters face a lengthy ballot covering the future of the Sheriff's Office, public safety oversight, county government and transit funding. Washington in Focus breaks down Charter Amendment 53, Charter Amendment 54, the Pierce County sheriff debate, the District 7 County Council race and the Pierce Transit tax measure ahead of the November 3 election. Follow The Center Square for continuing coverage of Pierce County, Washington elections, public safety, local taxes and government accountability. Want the next important update by text? Get the Washington state government and policy developments worth your attention sent straight to your phone. Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016 or sign up here: https://joinsubtext.com/c/thecentersquarewa Msg & data rates may apply. #PierceCounty #PierceCountySheriff #Amendment53 #WashingtonElection #PublicSafety #KeithSwank #MikeSolan #PierceTransit #WashingtonState #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus