City of Bonney Lake

Elections for Bonney Lake city council positions are held during the November General Election on odd number years.

The next election will be held on November 7, 2023, for the following positions:

• Councilmember Position 2
• Councilmember Position 4
• Councilmember Position 5
• Councilmember Position 7

Individuals interested in running for office must be a registered voter in the City of Bonney Lake and must have lived within city limits for at least one year prior to election day. 

Here are the requirements as specified by law:

• RCW 35A.12.030
• RCW 35A.13.020
• RCW 29A.24.075

How to file as a candidate

Filing with both Pierce County and the Public Disclosure Commission are required steps in any candidacy.

Filing with Pierce County
Candidate Filing Week is usually around the 3rd week in May. In 2023, Candidate Filing Week opens at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 15 and closes at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 19. 

A Declaration of Candidacy must be submitted to Pierce County during Candidate Filing Week.

For a list of filing requirements and deadlines, visit: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/329/Information-for-Candidates 

Filing with the Public Disclosure Commission
By publicly stating an intent to run for office or accepting campaign contributions, a candidate may trigger the official start of their campaign. Once a campaign has begun, candidates have two weeks to file with the Public Disclosure Commission (see links below).

Helpful Information
The following information has been collected to provide prospective candidates with information about the duties and expectations that come with elected office.
 
Pierce County Elections:

• Information for Candidates

Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC):

• Municipal Elections – Running for Office
• Roles and Responsibilities of Local Government Leaders
• Getting into Office: Being Elected or Appointed into Office in Washington Counties, Cities, Towns, and Special Districts
• Local Government Policy-Making Process
• The Open Public Meetings Act - How it Applies to Washington Cities, Counties, and Special Purpose Districts 
• Code City Handbook
• Mayor & Councilmember Handbook

Association of Washington Cities (AWC):

• So you want to be an elected official... Practical information for people running for office in Washington’s cities and towns
• What is a City? An overview of Washington cities’ functions and services
• Elected Officials Essentials Workshop
• Suggestions for Successful Public Service: 53 Ideas on How You can Govern Better
• Small City Resource Manual

Public Disclosure Commission (PDC):

• New Candidate FAQs
• Campaign Online Filing

City of Bonney Lake:

• City’s Budget & Financials
• City Council Meetings Minutes & Recordings
• Bonney Lake Municipal Code
• Bonney Lake Ordinances & Resolutions
• Bonney Lake Comprehensive Plan

Other Recommended Resources:

• State Auditor’s Office Center for Government Innovation – Provides training and technical assistance to local governments in Washington to improve performance, efficiency, and effectiveness
• National League of Cities – Advocates on behalf of cities at the federal level and provides training and research
• Governing Institute: Guide to Financial Literacy – Information on how to connect money, policy, and priorities