The Muni League has a good thing going with its Candidate Evaluation Committees. Where most endorsements and evaluations are based on partisan, political considerations, the Muni League’s focus on qualifications and performance is refreshing and approachable to this young citizen. The training, research, discussions, and final evaluation together formed a rich educational and community-oriented experience that I will recommend to my friends and colleagues.

Before I joined the CEC, I was frustrated with the difficulty in navigating Seattle candidates and political issues. I joined because it seemed that by participating I would benefit from the diverse candidate research. The experience of volunteering for the CEC turned out to have benefits far beyond my initial expectations.

Not only did I participate in extensive research, I had the pleasure of meeting civically engaged and active citizens. They represented a diverse array of interests within Seattle. I found it invigorating and educational to be immersed in an environment that fostered such lively discussion and debate.

Now, with the training and positive experience provided by the CEC, I am continuing to work in local politics and develop my own civic projects. The Muni League provides a valuable service to me and our community.

Katie Bethell is an undergraduate at the University of Washington and is actively working to register young voters and to provide civic education to the Seattle community through the Coalition of Informed Student Voters (CISV). She can be reached at katbet@u.washington.edu.