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City Council announces application process and key dates for District 5 seat vacancy

June 20, 2025July 1, 2025By City Council News Releases
microphone at Seattle City Hall Chambers, the official City of Seattle seal can be seen in the background

Today City Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) confirmed the formal process to fill the vacant Council seat after the resignation of Councilmember Cathy Moore (District 5), effective July 7. Councilmembers were given a presentation on the procedure and what to expect earlier this week during Council Briefing. 

Interested candidates may apply beginning Wednesday, July 2 at 8 a.m. through Wednesday, July 9 by 5 p.m. 

“We’re looking for passionate, public service-oriented individuals eager to serve their District 5 neighbors,” said Council President Nelson. “The Council has a full plate in the months ahead – addressing the major budget gap, finishing the Comprehensive Plan process, and tackling our ongoing public safety needs. I look forward to working with the successful candidate in addressing these challenges facing Seattle.” 

The City Charter gives the Council 20 calendar days to fill a vacant position. This 20-day period begins July 8, 2025, the first day after Councilmember Moore’s official resignation, and ends on July 28. 

From the date of the appointment, the new councilmember will serve until the 2026 General Election results are certified by King County Elections and the newly elected councilmember representing District 5 takes the oath of office. 

How to apply 

Completed applications must be received by the City Clerk before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9 in order to be accepted. An application is considered complete if it includes all the required attachments: 

  • Resume 
  • Cover letter 
  • Completed financial interest statement form 

The Seattle City Charter requires applicants to be:  

  • A citizen of the United States 
  • A qualified voter of the State of Washington 
  • Able to read and write the English language 
  • An active registered voter and resident of District 5 in the City of Seattle at least 120 days prior to and including the date of the applicant filing the declaration of candidacy.  

Community group participation 

Community groups can get involved by potentially hosting the public forum where candidates are publicly interviewed. Organizations should email a letter of interest describing their capacity and prior relevant experience to councilvacancy@seattle.gov by Wednesday, July 9 by 5 p.m.   

The date of the public forum is tentatively scheduled for July 21. 

Anticipated City Council vote 

A Special (full) City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 28, to vote on applicants. A successful candidate will be appointed once they receive a simple majority of at least five votes.   

In the event the Council fails to fill the vacant position by the end of the 20-day period on July 28, the council must meet and vote every business day, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays until the vacancy is filled (Charter Article XIX, Section 6). 

For more detailed information on filling the vacancy on the council, including the latest updates, please see the Council Vacancy webpage. 

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