Candidates and activists gearing up for an exciting 2026 cycle, as King County's switchover to even year elections takes

effect

With the 2025 local elections now certified, candidates, activists, and consultants are spending the holiday season getting ready for what comes next: the 2026 midterms.

Next year, voters across King County will select leaders for several countywide offices and weigh in on any regional or statewide policy measures that make the ballot, as well as participate in legislative and congressional elections.

Following the 2022 passage of NPI’s charter amendment shifting county elections from odd-numbered to even-numbered years, this will be the first regularly scheduled even-year election for executive and legislative positions with the exception of Prosecuting Attorney. The change is intended to boost participation by aligning local races with higher turnout elections for statewide and federal offices.

Historically, even year local elections in King County have drawn substantially more voters than odd year cycles. Younger residents, renters and underrepresented communities are expected to contribute significantly to higher turnout in 2026.

https://www.nwprogressive.org/weblog/2025/12/candidates-and-activists-gearing-up-for-an-exciting-2026-cycle-as-king-countys-switchover-to-even-year-elections-takes-effect.html