Commission

SEA-MC tit. 3, subtit. IV, ch. 3.70, subch. I

in effect

Seattle Mun. Code ch. 3.70, subch. I, § 3.70.010 Commission established—purpose

3.70.010 - Commission established—purpose The Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission is established to administer the City's Code of Ethics (Chapter 4.16); to administer the Election Campaign Code and its campaign matching fund program (Chapter 2.04); to publish the City's election pamphlets (Chapter 2.14) and to administer the Whistleblower Protection Code Sections 4.20.800 through 4.20.880). (Ord. 124362, § 14, 2013; Ord. 116005, § 1, 1991.)

Seattle Mun. Code ch. 3.70, subch. I, § 3.70.020 Commission membership.

3.70.020 - Commission membership. The Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission shall be composed of seven (7) members selected as follows: A. Three (3) members shall be appointed by the Mayor subject to confirmation by the City Council; B. Three (3) members shall be appointed by a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the members of the City Council; and C. The seventh member shall be appointed by the other six (6) members, subject to confirmation by the City Council. The Commission shall select its chair from among its members. (Ord. 116005, § 1, 1991.)

Seattle Mun. Code ch. 3.70, subch. I, § 3.70.030 Terms—Reappointment.

3.70.030 - Terms—Reappointment. Members of the Commission shall serve for a term of three (3) years ending on December 31st of the third year of such term and until their successors are appointed and qualify. Members are eligible for reappointment. Terms shall be staggered so that the terms of one (1) member selected by the Mayor and one (1) member selected by the City Council expire each year. The term of the seventh member shall commence on January 1, 1992. Incumbent members of the Fair Campaign Practices Commission/Board of Ethics shall complete their current terms as members of the Ethics and Elections Commission. (Ord. 116005, § 1, 1991.)

Seattle Mun. Code ch. 3.70, subch. I, § 3.70.040 Vacancy—Removal—Relinquishment.

3.70.040 - Vacancy—Removal—Relinquishment. An appointing authority may fill a vacancy in the same manner as used in making an original appointment. A person appointed to fill a vacancy serves for the remainder of the term. An appointing authority may remove a member for cause, subject to confirmation by a majority of the membership of the City Council. Five (5) of the seven (7) members of the Commission must vote in favor of a removal of the seventh member. Absence without excuse from three (3) successive meetings shall constitute a voluntary relinquishment of office and create a vacancy if the separation between the first meeting and the third successive meeting is at least forty (40) calendar days. (Ord. 116005, § 1, 1991.)

Seattle Mun. Code ch. 3.70, subch. I, § 3.70.050 Compensation—Reimbursement of expenses.

3.70.050 - Compensation—Reimbursement of expenses. Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation. Members may be reimbursed their expenses incurred in the performance of the duties of office. (Ord. 116005, § 1, 1991.)

Seattle Mun. Code ch. 3.70, subch. I, § 3.70.060 Neutrality in political campaigns.

3.70.060 - Neutrality in political campaigns. No member of the Commission shall during his or her term of office: A. Hold or campaign for elective office; B. Be an officer of any political party or any political committee; C. Permit his or her name to be used or make contributions, in support of or in opposition, to any candidate for City office or proposition in a City election; D. Participate in any City election campaign; or E. Participate in any committee that provides ratings of candidates for City office. (Ord. 116005, § 1, 1991.)

Source: City of Seattle, Seattle Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT3AD_SUBTITLE_IVCO_CH3.70SEETELCO_SUBCHAPTER_ICOFetched: 11/1/2026