Good government doesn’t just happen. It takes the ongoing vigilance and dedication of an involved citizenry. This summer you can play a major role in making good government happen. Become a Municipal League volunteer and evaluate candidates for the state legislature, judicial offices and other races.

Each year for the past 94 years, volunteers for the Municipal League of King County have rated candidates for public office according to four criteria: Involvement, Character, Effectiveness, and Knowledge. This is in contrast to other organizations, which rate or endorse based on political party, platform or position on issues.

The League rates only to determine fitness for office. The league neither endorse nor compare candidates to one another. This year, five committees will evaluate candidates throughout King County. These committees will rate all the legislative candidates and judicial candidates for Superior Court, Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. Three committees meet in Seattle; one meets in Northeast King County; the fifth one meets in South King County.

Call the Municipal League offices at (206) 622-8333 or visit its website at www.munileague.org for an application or for more information. High quality and unbiased ratings depend on having people with diverse backgrounds and views participate as volunteers.

TASKS: As a volunteer, you will: 1) research work histories and references of candidates running for office in King County; 2) interview candidates as part of a committee; and 3) determine recommended ratings and present them to the League’s Board of Trustees for approval.

TIMELINE: Applications will be accepted through the first week of July. Two nights of training occur the last week of July. Candidate interviews begin in early August and continue through the month of August. Ratings will be publish-ed prior to the September 14 primary.

REQUIRED: You must attend at least 50% of the committee meetings or interviews, and cannot endorse, volunteer for, or contribute money to any candidate running for an office being rated by the League. You must be able to leave your political views at the door. Knowledge of or interest in local politics is a plus, but prior experience is not necessary.

REWARDS: You will become one of the most informed voters in King County by meeting with many of the candidates running for office. You will learn about the important issues facing King County, and how elected officials and candidates plan to address them. You will work alongside other concerned, involved citizens who care about the future of King County. And you will help your fellow citizens become better informed voters.