What does a YES vote on Snohomish County Proposition No. 2 mean?

Snohomish County's charter would require the county to prioritize funding its budget stabilization funds, used for severe economic downturns, revenue shortfalls and emergencies.

What does a NO vote on Snohomish County Proposition No. 2 mean?

Snohomish County's charter would not add this budget stabilization priority.

How many votes does Snohomish County Proposition No. 2 need to pass?

A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.

Should I vote yes or no on Snohomish County Proposition No. 2?

SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Read what a YES and a NO vote each do, and the official text, then decide based on what you want to happen.

The general election was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Counts are unofficial until each state certifies its results over the following weeks; your state or county election office has the official results.

Snohomish County Proposition No. 2 — Prioritize Funding of Budget Stabilization Funds

Last updated Sat, Nov 7, 4:33 PM ET

Ballot measure · November 3, 2026

What it does: Proposed Amendments to the Snohomish County Charter Proposition No. 2 Prioritize Funding of Budget Stabilization Funds The Snohomish County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the county charter concerning the prioritization of the county budget stabilization funds. This proposition would require the county legislature and executive branch to prioritize the funding of the county budget stabilization funds. The purpose of these funds is to help mitigate the impacts of catastrophic economic downturns and revenue shortfalls and provide resources for emergencies and catastrophic events. This proposition would add a new section to Article 6 of the County Charter. Should this proposition be enacted into law:
A YES vote means: Snohomish County's charter would require the county to prioritize funding its budget stabilization funds, used for severe economic downturns, revenue shortfalls and emergencies.
A NO vote means: Snohomish County's charter would not add this budget stabilization priority.
Needed to pass: A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.
Left–right lean: Not a left–right issue: a procedural or local question that liberals and conservatives don't typically split on (AI read of the official ballot summary).

The YES and NO lines are SpectrumVote's plain-language reading of the official text above; the official text is what you vote on.

Official text: source

Background

Snohomish County's charter is reviewed by an elected 15-member Charter Review Commission; the 2026 commission's recommendations are transmitted to the County Council and then to the County Auditor for the November 2026 ballot.

According to the Commission's final text, Proposition 2 (its Proposal 14) would add Section 6.150 requiring a Primary Stabilization Fund and a separate Secondary Catastrophic Stabilization Fund, held by the Treasurer and usable only for declared emergencies, catastrophic events, natural disasters or severe fiscal disruption, not routine budget balancing.

Spending from either fund would require at least four County Council votes, withdrawals would need a replenishment plan, the Treasurer would report annually, and the secondary fund would start with a transfer equal to 10% of the primary fund's balance; the Commission added by an 11–1 vote that the fund may not be financed by taxes or fees raised for that purpose.

After a public hearing on May 20, 2026, the Commission voted 12–0 to send the proposal to the November ballot.

Put on the ballot by Snohomish County Charter Review Commission, 12–0, May 20, 2026 (Proposal 14).

From official source 1, official source 2, official source 3.

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Quick answers

What does a YES vote on Snohomish County Proposition No. 2 mean?: Snohomish County's charter would require the county to prioritize funding its budget stabilization funds, used for severe economic downturns, revenue shortfalls and emergencies.
What does a NO vote on Snohomish County Proposition No. 2 mean?: Snohomish County's charter would not add this budget stabilization priority.
How many votes does Snohomish County Proposition No. 2 need to pass?: A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.
Should I vote yes or no on Snohomish County Proposition No. 2?: SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Read what a YES and a NO vote each do, and the official text, then decide based on what you want to happen.
When is the vote?: The general election was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Counts are unofficial until each state certifies its results over the following weeks; your state or county election office has the official results.

Not sure how to decide? Read our nonpartisan guide to the Snohomish County ballot.

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