Get Ready for a Historic Year: 2023 Local Elections Poised to Shape the Future of Your Community

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With no State or Federal elected offices on the ballot, 2023 is considered by some to be an “off-year” election. Voter turnout is typically lower without the flood of advertising associated with races for President, Congress, Governor, or the State Legislature. However, races for county and port commissioner, city council, and school board are on the ballot in 2023, and these local races will impact all corners of our community.

The most significant changes will occur county-wide. Thurston County and the Port of Olympia received voter approval last year to expand their commissions from three to five members.

The four new positions will be on the fall ballots. In addition, the cities of Olympia and Tenino will be voting on the important position of Mayor in 2023.

A majority of Tumwater city council and most school board positions will be on the 2023 ballot. With the two new Port Commissioner positions, a majority of the Port Commission positions will also be on the ballot.

Olympia Mayor Selby and Tenino Mayor Fournier recently announced that they are not seeking reelection, and we need to thank them for their years of service. We should also thank other incumbents for serving in office - regardless of their future decisions to run for re-election. At the same time, we should work to encourage qualified people to run for office. The community needs good leaders. We know that leadership matters during the good and bad times. Incumbents and candidates will start making announcements and decisions this month. All candidates for 2023, incumbents and new, will need to file as a candidate with the County Auditor sometime between May 15 and 19, 2023. Public Disclosure Commission requirements will kick in for anyone running for office once any campaign-related activities occur.

Voters will have choices to make in the Fall. Is it time for a change in direction? Do the past decisions by the incumbents demonstrated qualities for re-election for another four years? Do candidates reflect voter interests and values? Please take full advantage of opportunities to learn about candidate positions and ideas for the future of our region.

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All the local offices, and those we elect, play an essential role in how our community grows and develops. Public policy is made by those that show up and participate. The Thurston Chamber of Commerce, Public Policy Division, continues to engage candidates and incumbents as we work to reduce government hurdles that contribute to the housing crisis, sustain regional economic development and opportunities, and improve equity in our schools.

The Primary Election will occur on August 1, 2023, and the General Election is set for November 7, 2023. Let’s be ready to make informed votes. Here are the positions on the local election 2023 ballot:

Thurston County: Two of five commissioner positions. Commissioners are elected by district and must reside in the district they represent. Unless noted, the elections are for four-year terms.

• (New) District 4 – currently vacant (1-year unexpired term)

• (New) District 5 – currently vacant (3-year unexpired term)

Port of Olympia: Three of five commissioners. Commissioners are elected by district and must reside in the district they represent. Unless noted, the elections are for four-year terms.

• District 1 – incumbent: Joe Downing (4-year term)

• (New) District 4 – currently vacant (4-year full term OR 2-year unexpired term)*

• (New) District 5 – Currently vacant (4-year full term OR 2-year unexpired term)*

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Lacey City Council: Three of seven positions. Must reside in the city. Elected to a four-year term.

• Position 1 – incumbent: Malcolm Miller

• Position 2 – incumbent: Lenny Greenstein

• Position 3 – incumbent: Ed Kunkel

Olympia City Council: Three of seven positions. Must reside in the city. Elected to a four-year term.

• Mayor – incumbent: Cheryl Selby

• Position 2 – incumbent: Yen Huỳnh

• Position 3 – incumbent: Dani Madrone

Tenino City Council: Two of five positions and Mayor. Must reside in the city. Elected to a four-year term.

• Mayor – incumbent: Wayne Fournier

• Position 2 – incumbent: Elaine Klamn

• Position 5 – incumbent: Rachel L. Davidson

Tumwater City Council: Four of seven positions. Must reside in the city. Elected to a four-year term.

• Position 1 – incumbent: Leatta Dahlhoff

• Position 2 – incumbent: Angela Jefferson

• Position 3– incumbent: Joan Cathey

• Position 7 – incumbent: Charles (Charlie) Schneider

Yelm City Council: Three of seven positions. Must reside in the city. Elected to a four-year term.

• Position 1 – incumbent: James Blair

• Position 2 – incumbent: Joseph Richardson

• Position 6 – incumbent: Ashley Brooks (short + full term)

North Thurston Public Schools: Three of five positions. Directors are elected by district and must reside in the district they represent. Unless noted, the elections are for four-year terms.

• District 1 – incumbent: Gretchen Maliska

• District 4 – incumbent: Graeme Sackrison

• District 5 – incumbent: Dave Newkirk

* At certification of the General Election, the person receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected to the full 4-year term, and the next highest will be elected to the 2-year unexpired term.

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Olympia School District No. 111: Three of five positions. Directors are elected by district and must reside in the district they represent. Unless noted, the elections are for four-year terms.

• District 1 – incumbent: Maria Flores

• District 2 – incumbent: Talauna Reed

• District 4 – incumbent: Hilary Seidel

Tenino School District No. 402: Three of five positions. Directors are elected by district and must reside in the district they represent. Unless noted, the elections are for four-year terms.

• District 2 – incumbent: Ryan Hilton

• District 3 – incumbent: Adam Barr

• District 4 – incumbent: Tamara (Tammy) Schroder

Tumwater School District No. 33: Two of five positions. Directors are elected by district and must reside in the district they represent. Unless noted, the elections are for four-year terms.

• District 2 – incumbent: Casey Taylor

• District 3 – incumbent: Scott Killough

Yelm Community Schools: Three of five positions. Directors are elected by district and must reside in the district they represent. Unless noted, the elections are for four-year terms.

• District 2 – incumbent: Donna Edwards

• District 3 – incumbent: Denise Hendrickson

• District 5 – incumbent: William F. Hauss