Image: Bold white and gold text reads “VOTE YES on Charter Amendment 13” on a black background beside a map highlighting the City of Vancouver, Washington within a gold silhouette of Clark County on a map of Washington, with surrounding counties in gray.
To build an equitable, racially just future, communities must have a voice in City Hall. But that can’t happen when their power is diluted. That’s why we’re supporting the Yes on Charter Amendment 13 campaign to make elections in Vancouver, Washington, more inclusive, accountable, and representative for all communities.
All Vancouver residents deserve to have a say in their futures. Yet under the city’s at-large voting system, too many residents aren’t being fairly represented. Charter Amendment 13 will change that system and make sure that neighborhoods like Fourth Plain, Fruit Valley, and East Mill Plain are able to elect representatives who understand their experiences, values, and needs.
At-large voting leaves Vancouver communities unrepresented. In at-large voting, candidates are voted on by everyone. This approach has been found to discriminate against communities of color by diluting their votes and preventing them electing the candidates of their choice.
District voting helps to put communities in the driver’s seat. When candidates are elected by the residents of a particular district, then they can be held more accountable for how well they meet that community’s needs. Local districts also ensure that smaller communities can have their voices and concerns heard, rather than being drowned out by the wider city population. Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, and hundreds of other cities across the U.S. use district voting to increase local representation and build community power.
Voting “Yes” on Charter Amendment 13 implements district voting, so that Vancouver neighborhoods can have a stronger voice. The amendment will change the way that Vancouver elects city councilors, so that most are elected by specific districts. This will enable communities to choose candidates who represent them, increasing the possibility of a more diverse and reflective city council.
Washington’s elected officials should reflect the vibrant diversity of our communities. We recently released two reports examining communities of color in Washington and how they are reflected by their electoral leadership. Together, these reports paint a picture of a state that is growing ever more supportive of candidates of color. Reforms like Charter Amendment 13 are key to ensuring that Vancouver’s power structure reflects and is run by its communities.
We are proud to support the Love & Justice Alliance’s Yes on Charter Amendment 13 campaign. Inatai believes that every person and every community should have the ability to participate in the decisions that impact their lives. District voting is crucial to achieving an equitable, racially just, and inclusive democracy, and we have supported similarly community-led reform efforts in Sunnyside, the Tri-Cities, and Kent.
Charter Amendment 13 is an important step forward, but it’s not a guarantee of a more reflective city council. Ensuring Vancouver’s city council matches the diversity of its people will require more than just changing the process of how we elect representatives. It requires voters to engage with our democracy, get involved in local issues and campaigns, and cast their ballots in every election.
On November 4, we encourage all Vancouver residents to vote Yes on Charter Amendment 13. Your vote will help to break down the barriers to City Hall, create a more representative city council, hold politicians accountable, and ensure all communities have a seat at the table.
