On November 3rd, Seattle is poised to make history, electing City Council members by district. In this video, Crosscut contributors examine the dynamics each of these new districts — Ben Anderstone analyzes the demographics; David Kroman reports on the politics; and Drew Atkins digs into the fundraising numbers.
In Seattle, voters are choosing council members by district for the first time in over a hundred years.
It’s the result of a 2013 charter amendment in which voters decided to eliminate the longstanding system of having all members chosen by a citywide vote.
Under the new system, only two members will be chosen to at-large seats representing all city residents.
We look at those citywide races first, then turn to each of the seven district contests.
At-large seats (Positions 8 and 9):
District 1 West Seattle
District 2 South Seattle
District 3 Central Area
District 4 University Area
District 5 North Seattle
District 6 North Ship Canal
District 7 Downtown
Join Crosscut at Civic Cocktail on Nov. 4 for a post-election wrap-up with political consultants Chris Sinderman and John Wyble, and former Seattle mayor Charley Royer. Then, Sen. Pramila Jayapal will discuss race, rent control and more.
