As state lawmakers prepare to descend on Olympia for the 2026 session, Snohomish County League President Lisa Utter reminds the public in an op-ed that appeared in Wednesday's Everett Herald that locally elected officials also need to hear from their constituents. 

Whether you agree or disagree with how things are going, taking a few minutes to let them know what you think will likely feel good.  

And it will mean you're taking part in civic action, Utter writes.

Local Officials Represent You; Let Them Know What You Think
A look at local officials, their responsibilities and how you can reach them

By Lisa Utter, President, LWV of Snohomish County

League of Women Voters of Snohomish County Did you know that your local elected officials need to hear from you? Whether you agree or disagree with how things are going, taking a few minutes to let them know is beneficial for a number of reasons: 

You’re engaging in your community!

You’re taking part in civic action.

Your elected officials need to know what their constituents believe (good or bad). A constituent is someone who belongs to the community they have been elected to represent. You are a constituent even if you are not a voter.
Even if it’s someone you voted for who shares similar values, they need to hear that you support them.

It feels good to get involved.

Who are your elected officials?

Think of this as a tree, branching out from you - the citizen. It starts with your neighborhood, then your city, then your county, then the state, then the country.

Depending on your concern, you need to find the right person to contact. A street light that’s burned out is a different matter than an upcoming ballot initiative that may affect your family.

Here are some examples: 

• City Council - Cities make decisions about most services within their boundaries. Think speed bumps, traffic cameras, lights in parks, service levels and accountability for police, planning, parks, roads, etc.
  
  
• County Council - County officials make decisions that affect unincorporated areas as well as some decisions that affect everyone in the county. We all live in a county, even those who live in cities. The county makes decisions about the sheriff’s office, the jail, Paine Field Airport, transportation, etc.
  
  
• Charter Review Commission - Every ten years the Commission reviews the County Charter, which serves as the governing document of the County. Last month, 15 citizens were elected to hold public meetings, and decide on possible changes to the Charter. Items that are often considered include: which offices should be elected such as Sheriff, redistricting for County Council seats, how appointments are made and confirmed.
  
  
• Fire and Hospital Districts - The governing boards of fire and hospital districts make decisions about levels of service and contracts with firefighters or hospital workers.School District Boards - These boards approve curriculum, make decisions about school construction or remodeling, and district lines. School boards affect everyone in their district, even those who do not have children, because their decisions impact the next generation and the way our collective taxes are spent.
  
  
• Other Junior Taxing District Boards - Washington is unique in having many other specialty taxing districts - Conservation District, Sno-Isle Regional Library, Parks and Recreation Districts, Ports, Transit Districts and others. Some members of these boards are appointed and some are elected, but they all serve you in one way or another.
  
  
• State Legislators - Your state legislators represent your legislative district at the state level. You have two representatives and one senator assigned to the district you live in. Your legislators influence Washington state laws, taxes, or concerns.
  
  
• U.S. Legislators - These are the congresspeople who represent you in Washington D.C. on federal matters. You have one representative and two senators for your congressional district.

How to contact your local elected officials
Once you know what level of government you need to reach, you can find their information on the League of Women Voters of Snohomish’s Voter Toolkit at www.lwvsnoho.org.

When drafting your message, you should use a professional greeting, then state the concern or positive feedback. If you have a specific bill or ordinance number, be sure to reference it. Include the impact your concern has on you. Make it personal! Close with your full name, address, and contact information. If you reach out to your elected official via their website, you may be asked to use a pre-defined form and you might even be asked if you’d like a reply.

Your elected officials are there to represent ALL of the people. Everyone has a voice, and they want to hear from you. In fact, we have heard from many officials that they weren’t aware of an issue until multiple people shared their experiences.

If you need help, the League of Women Voters of Snohomish County may be able to direct you to the right place. You can contact us at info@lwvsnoho.org. We also have a brochure titled “Your Voice Matters” in our Civil Discourse section of our website.