Port of Pasco to Change Commissioner Election Process Following Voting Rights Settlement

Port of Pasco to Revamp Commissioner Election Process Following Voting Rights Settlement

Pasco, WA — In a significant shift aimed at enhancing electoral fairness, the Port of Pasco will modify its commissioner election process as part of a court-approved settlement with a voting rights advocacy group. This decision comes after a legal challenge that highlighted concerns over the representation of Latino voters in the port’s elections.

Under the new agreement, which was approved by Franklin County Superior Court Judge Bronson Brown, commissioners will now be elected solely by registered voters within their respective districts during primary and general elections. This change is set to take effect starting in 2026, beginning with the District 3 position currently held by Hans Engelke.

The settlement also stipulates that port elections will occur in even-numbered years, a move that both the Port and the UCLA Voting Rights Project, which supported the plaintiffs, view as a step toward ensuring equitable representation.

“This agreement not only confirms the legality of the port’s existing commissioner district boundaries, it affirms the port’s commitment to ensuring all voters have an equal voice in elections,” said Port Executive Director Adam Lincoln in a statement.

Gabriel Portugal, a plaintiff and national vice president for the Northwest for the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), expressed pride in the settlement. “We advocate for all voters in the Port of Pasco to be able to elect a candidate of their choice in their respective districts. This resolution empowers every voting member of our community to have a seat at the table,” he stated.

The legal challenge, spearheaded by Portugal and fellow plaintiff Jose Trinidad-Corral, argued that the port’s previous at-large election system diluted the voting power of Latino residents, violating the Washington Voting Rights Act of 2018. After six months of negotiations, the settlement was reached, which also includes a provision for the port to pay $50,000 to cover a portion of the plaintiffs’ legal costs.

Importantly, the settlement will not impact the upcoming November 2025 election for the District 2 position, currently held by Jean Ryckman, who is not seeking re-election. Matt Watkins, the former mayor of Pasco and current executive director of the Pasco Public Facilities District, is the only candidate registered for that election.

As the Port of Pasco prepares for these changes, the community looks forward to a more inclusive electoral process that reflects the diverse voices of its constituents.