Serving on the City Council

City Hall Plaque

Who is eligible to serve as a Councilmember?
A candidate for City Council must be a:

  • Resident of Mercer Island for at least one year
  • Registered voter in Mercer Island (to register to vote, you must be a citizen of the United States, a legal resident of Washington State and at least 18 years old by Election Day)

Neither a Councilmember nor his/her spouse or interdependent family members may be employed by the City, except when the Councilmember’s spouse was employed by the City before the election or appointment to the Council.
 
What are the primary election requirements?
Candidates who meet the legal qualifications above must file a Declaration of Candidacy with King County Elections within the filing period in May (of odd years). There is no filing fee. The general election is in November (of odd years) but the Primary Election Day is in August (of odd years). If no more than two people file for a position, there is no primary election for that position.
 
What are the November election procedures? 
Councilmembers are elected by registered voters of the City. Newly elected Councilmembers take office at the first Council meeting of the next year (following certification of election results by the King County Elections Officer).
 
What is the purpose of Council position numbers?
Washington State election law require that if more than one position with the same name (Councilmember) and district number (Mercer Island) will be voted upon during an election, the positions to be filled shall be designated by number. This means that candidates must file for a specific position on the Mercer Island City Council. Positions 1, 3, 5, and 7 are on the ballot in the same year and positions 2, 4, and 6 are on the same ballot two years later.
 
How often does the City Council meet?
Regular Council meetings are currently held the first and third Tuesday of each month at 5:00 pm. Council meetings are held in a hybrid format in the Slater Room Council Chambers at at the Mercer Island Community & Event Center (8236 SE 24th Street, Mercer Island, WA 98040) and using Zoom. If a Study Session is needed, it is scheduled at the start of the meeting at 5 pm and Special Meetings are called as needed.  The meeting schedule and start-times are subject to change. The Council also meets for annual Planning Sessions for goal setting and long-range planning purposes. These are usually held over a weekend, often starting on Friday afternoon and all day Saturday.
 
What time commitment is required?
The duties of a Councilmember involve an average minimum commitment of 30-40 hours per month for preparation, participation and attendance at meetings (regular and special City Council meetings, Council subcommittee meetings, City board and commission meetings, community meetings and committee meetings for regional appointments). Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact a current Councilmember to ask what the experience is like and what is involved.
 
How long is a Councilmember’s term?
Councilmembers are elected to a term of four years.
 
How are vacancies filled when a Councilmember leaves prior to the end of his or her term?
In case of a vacancy, the remaining Councilmembers will appoint someone to fill the vacancy until the next regularly scheduled election pursuant to RCW 42.12.070 and as outlined in the City Council Rules of Procedure. The Council will publish a notice of the vacancy, the procedure by which the vacancy will be filled, and the application form on the City’s website and distribute the information through other media channels. Interviews of candidates will take place during a meeting open to the public.
 
How are the Mayor and Deputy Mayor elected? What are the roles of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor?
The Mayor and Deputy Mayor are elected from among the Councilmembers for a two-year term. At the first Council meeting of the even calendar years, the City Clerk will entertain a motion for "nominations" for a Councilmember to serve as Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Approval is by majority vote of Council members present. The Mayor presides at all Council meetings, votes as a Councilmember and does not have any veto power. The Deputy Mayor serves in the Mayor’s absence. 

Prospective Council Candidate Materials

Mercer Island Offices Subject to Election in 2025

Office Current Office Holder
Candidate Position No. 2 Salim Nice
Candidate Position No. 4 Ted Weinberg
Candidate Position No. 6 Lisa Anderl

 

Important Dates (to be updated)

Prospective Council Candidate Workshop March of odd calendar years (date TBD)
Candidate Filing Week Third week in May of odd calendar years
Deadline to Withdraw from the Ballot Fourth Monday in May of odd calendar years
Council Candidate Orientation June of odd calendar years (date TBD)
Primary Election First Tuesday in August of odd calendar years
General Election First Tuesday in November of odd calendar years
Councilmember-Elect Orientation December of odd calendar years (date TBD)
First City Council Meeting First Monday in January of even calendar years

 

Supporting Documents

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