Pierce County Sheriff Warns Against Proposal to End Sheriff Elections

Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank could be removed from office two years before his term expires if voters approve a controversial charter amendment changing the sheriff's position from elected to appointed. Swank is warning that the proposal could take away Pierce County voters' ability to choose their sheriff, and he has raised the possibility of a legal challenge if the measure passes. In this Washington In Focus report, The Center Square examines Pierce County Charter Amendment 53, the future of elected sheriffs in Washington state, and the debate over law enforcement accountability and voter rights. PIERCE COUNTY SHERIFF COULD BE REMOVED EARLY Charter Amendment 53 would change the Pierce County sheriff's office from an elected position to an appointed one. Under the proposal, the Pierce County executive would select the sheriff, subject to confirmation by the county council. The change could also end Sheriff Keith Swank's current term approximately two years early, with a new appointment taking effect in January. Swank argues that voters should retain the right to elect their sheriff, regardless of who holds the position. He also questions whether the proposal is constitutional and has discussed the possibility of taking legal action. SHERIFF KEITH SWANK WARNS ABOUT VOTER RIGHTS In an interview with The Center Square, Swank warns that replacing an elected sheriff with an appointed official could make the sheriff's office more dependent on county political leadership. He argues that direct elections provide accountability to voters rather than the county executive. Supporters of appointed law enforcement leadership point out that police chiefs and other senior public safety officials are commonly appointed rather than elected. Pierce County previously used an appointed sheriff system before voters restored direct sheriff elections in 2006. PIERCE COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY OVERSIGHT PROPOSAL Voters will also consider Charter Amendment 54, which would establish a public safety ombuds office to investigate complaints, review policies and provide additional oversight of the sheriff's office. According to estimates discussed in the report, the proposed office could cost approximately $800,000 annually. The proposal raises additional questions about law enforcement oversight, government accountability and taxpayer spending. WASHINGTON ELECTION 2026 Pierce County voters will decide these charter amendments in the November election. The outcome could reshape how Pierce County selects its sheriff, oversees law enforcement and balances the authority of elected officials and county government. Subscribe to The Center Square for Washington state news covering elections, public safety, taxpayer spending, local government and political accountability. Get Washington government and policy updates by text about twice a week. Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016 for Washington news updates. #PierceCounty #KeithSwank #WashingtonNews #SheriffElection #WashingtonPolitics