Editor’s Note: On June 18th candidates in the August 1st Primary Election for Everett City Council Districts, Everett School Board and Port of Everett Commissioner along with Snohomish County offices including Everett voters were invited to send a statement up to 500 words to MyEverettNews.com introducing themselves to our readers. Invitations were sent to the email address on file with the Snohomish County Auditor. Not all of the candidates responded but we are publishing unedited statements from those that did reply by our deadline. We think this is a good way for you to hear directly from the people running. All City of Everett offices are non-partisan, other offices vary. MyEverettNews.com does not endorse candidates or issues but does accept paid political advertising.
Garth Fell – candidate supplied photo
During my first term, Snohomish County has delivered accurate, accessible, secure and transparent elections free from partisan influence. Our elections have been above reproach in the face of intense review and scrutiny.
We have also, among other accomplishments, implemented a new recording system with expanded online tools; developed state-leading standards for auditing our licensing subagents; and kept people and animals safe through our animal control response.
We continue to make improvements. Under my leadership, we have acquired support and grant funding to improve the security of our ballot counting operations ahead of the 2024 presidential elections, ensuring ballots and counting equipment remain secure and increasing the opportunities for public observation. We also continue to improve outreach and education efforts by building community partnerships, increasing our online presence, and offering information and services at in-person events in an effort to help our increasingly diverse community connect with our services and trusted information.
I have been your county auditor since 2020. Prior to serving as auditor, I was your county elections manager from 2007 to 2019 as well as your county recording manager from 2011 to 2018. I am proud of my team and our track record of providing excellent service in licensing, recording, elections and animal services.
Looking ahead, the person who is elected county auditor will have a significant responsibility next year conducting our presidential elections. I am the only auditor candidate who has management experience running local, state and federal elections. I am a state and nationally certified elections administrator and have administered nearly 100 elections including 6 Presidential elections over my 24-year career.
I am also currently the Secretary and Elections Committee Chair of the Washington State Association of County Auditors. I have been appointed to the U.S Elections Assistance Commission’s Local Leadership Council and the Washington State Recording Standards Commission. These assignments ensure Snohomish County is at the table when important decisions are made.
When I started administering elections 24 years ago, I committed to voters, candidates and my staff to remain independent, impartial and nonpartisan – ensuring voters can trust election outcomes, candidates can win knowing that the results are above reproach, and staff can administer elections according to the law without political pressure. In some contexts, strong political allegiances are fine – just not in elections administration.
And while I am nonpartisan, I have strong bipartisan support from community leaders who endorse me because they know how important it is to keep an experienced, nonpartisan professional running our elections. This includes all our county council members, County Executive Somers, and former County Auditors Weikel and Terwilliger, and many local officials from both major parties. See all of my endorsements at garthfell.com.
I love this job and would be honored to continue serving as your county auditor. I’d be honored to have your vote.
July 14, 2023
Everett Government