Overview
This page includes resources and information for candidates who have filed for election to the Des Moines City Council or for any community members interested in learning more about the election.
The Des Moines City Council consists of seven residents who are elected to four-year terms by the community. Elections are "at-large," meaning councilmembers represent the population of the whole city, rather than individual electoral districts. The following four City Council seats are on the ballot in 2025 for terms beginning in 2026:
Council Position #1: Currently held by Harry Steinmetz
Council Position #3: Currently held by Gene Achziger
Council Position #5: Currently held by Traci Buxton
Council Position #7: Currently held by Matt Mahoney
To learn more about running for office and to view candidates and ballot measures, please visit the King County Elections website.
Resource Materials
May 28, 2025 Council Candidate Orientation Video
May 28, 2025 Power Point Presentation
City Council Mission Vision & Values Statement
2025 Legislative Priorities
Mayor & Councilmember Handbook
MRSC Code City Handbook
MRSC Knowing the Territory
Guidance on Political Signs
Political signs are allowed in all zones of the City subject to certain limitations.
Private Property:
Political signs are allowed on private property with the owner’s permission.
Public Property (Parks, City Hall, Marina, etc) :
Political signs are not allowed.
Right of way (undeveloped area between sidewalks and private property):
Political signs are allowed but must comply with the following rules:
1. Signs cannot be affixed to trees, utility poles, streetlights, guardrail etc. (Typically a sign would need to have it’s own stake).
2. Cannot be in the median (landscaped area in the middle of road separating lanes of traffic).
3. Signs cannot exceed 4 square feet, must be less than 5 feet tall.
4. Cannot be placed on sidewalks or in a way that would interfere with pedestrians/bikes.
5. Do not damage landscape.
6. Signs need to have professional appearance (not handwritten) and include name and contact info of owner.
7. Signs in the right of way that violate these rules may be removed by the City and disposed of.
8. Remove all signs from right of way within 10 days of the election.