Candidate Evaluations 2009

About CEC

The Municipal League of King County provides the region's only independent non-partisan, non-agenda driven evaluation of candidates for public office. The ratings, which are based on each candidate's involvement, effectiveness, character and knowledge, are a widely respected tool to help citizens make informed voting decisions.

Ratings are determined after careful research by citizen volunteers, extensive interviews in front of citizen volunteer committees and vetting by the Municipal League's board of trustees. Completed questionnaires by candidates and notes from the rating process are published in print and online ahead of the primary election.

Volunteers

Citizen volunteers make the candidate evaluation process possible. Volunteers need to attend two training sessions and commit to a series of evening sessions in order to conduct candidate interviews. Committees are organized by geography and are generally held in Seattle, the Eastside and South King County.

Candidate Evaluation Committee Expectations

Time Commitment

• Training sessions: June 9 and 16. The first session is 6 – 9 p.m. at the Seattle Times Auditorium (1120 John St, Seattle). The second session is with the Candidate Evaluation committee you are assigned to and held in the area you committee reviews.
  
• Candidate Investigation: June 10 - 21. In addition to the evening meetings, each evaluator investigates 2 candidates; checks references, collects information on campaign donors and other background and presents to the committee.
• Candidate Evaluation Interview meetings: June 22 – 25 and June 29 – July 2. Committees meet Monday through Thursday, usually from 6- 9:00 p.m. Evaluators are expected to attend at least 50% of candidate interviews and must attend the evenings their assigned candidates are interviewed.
• Final Review: July 13 or 14. 6:00 p.m. Each committee will schedule its own final review during the week of July 13 in order to finalize recommendations to the Municipal League board. Final review meetings generally last two to three hours, depending on the number of candidates evaluated.
• Board Final Review: July 20 or 21. Each committee has approximately 90 minutes to present their recommendations for final approval by the Municipal League board.

Evaluators' commitment

• Examine candidates fairly and without prejudice.

• Refrain from actively supporting any candidate rated by the Municipal League during the 2009 election cycle.
• Refrain from endorsing, making monetary contributions or attending campaign events of any candidate the League rates during 2009.
• Maintain complete confidentiality of all committee matters during and after the ratings process.

Evaluators’ Rewards

• Training by leading experts about important issues facing King County.
• Opportunity to meet, interview and rate candidates for county, judicial, and city offices throughout King County.
• Meet and work with other concerned, involved citizens who care about the future of King County.
• Make a difference by having work published in a format that helps voters make informed decisions.

2009 Timeline

CEC Training Sessions Part I – June 9
Seattle Times Auditorium (1120 John St, Seattle)

CEC Training Sessions Part II - June 16
With area committee (Various Locations)

Candidate Investigation June 10 – 21

Candidate Evaluation Committee meetings June 22 - 25 and June 28 - July 2

Final Review July 13 or 14

Board Final Review July 20 or 21

Ratings Release Party July 23

. 206-622-8333.

More information

Q & A about candidate evaluations and ratings

What is the candidate evaluation process?