Ballard's Chaotic Three-Way Election
A local municipal election descends into farce as rival factions swap candidates and run into residency requirements.
The election for municipal officers for the city of Ballard, which occurs tomorrow, is causing an active canvass among the rival candidates. There has been so much division among the different political parties and the voters are divided into so many factions that it is difficult even for those most familiar with municipal affairs to accurately predict the result. There are three different tickets in the field. The citizens' reform ticket is supported chiefly by Populists. City Attorney E. Peters says the law clearly states that no one who has not resided a year in the city can hold any office. This disqualifies O. Charlesworth, reform candidate for mayor, who claims a residence of thirty days only, and William Henry Llewellyn, reform candidate for councilman. Alexander Grubb, another reform candidate, is also said to be disqualified because he has never become a citizen. The business men's independent ticket is also in the fray, endorsing nominees from other parties, creating a confusing and 'three-cornered' contest.
“Their platform is full of absurdities; the name reform is an unfortunate one and too suggestive of Kruggery to appeal favorably to a large body of voters.”
Ballard, once a separate municipality known for its independent streak and intense local politics, was annexed by Seattle in 1907. Today, municipal election disputes in Seattle often mirror this era's focus on residency, eligibility, and the friction between grassroots movements and established business interests.
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