It is time to change the way we elect our city council. When Richland was incorporated as a first-class city 67 years ago, the population was 24,000 and the land area was 8 square miles. Today, the population is over 60,000 and the land area is 35 square miles.

Our current all at-large city council is a relic of a by-gone era. Pasco and Kennewick already have district voting. Richland is one of only two first-class cities in Washington that still has an all at-large council. The other one, Vancouver, is also voting in November 2025 on whether to establish voting districts. If Richland rejects the creation of neighborhood voting districts it could be the only first-class city in the state with an all at-large city council.

A more responsive city council The change to voting districts would encourage closer ties between council members and constituents. City council members serving districts would be more responsive to the diverse needs of our expanding suburbs and historic neighborhoods.

District elections make it easier for voters to get to know the candidates and to reach their representatives after the election. By adopting a district voting system, the cost of running an election campaign would be lower, allowing more people to consider participating in our city government.

Vote "yes" to modernize our city council. We deserve this change for a better Richland.

Rebuttal of argument against

The proposal is a non-partisan effort supported by Richland voters across the political spectrum. The district boundaries follow state law, are contiguous, and are equal in population. Council members serve both their district and the city as a whole, preserving teamwork while preventing lockstep conformity. Claims that districts are politically motivated or gerrymandered are completely unfounded. Check out the proposed district boundaries at abetterrichland.com and decide for yourself. Do not be fooled by scare tactics.