Snohomish County, Wash., May 9, 2023—Prior elections official, former law enforcement personnel, and community advocate, Cindy Gobel, launches her campaign for Snohomish County Auditor.
“I’m running because democracy and electoral integrity are central to our identity as Americans. For the past several years, our trust in these fundamental systems has been challenged. The work of the Auditor’s office involves our fundamental rights and brings each person’s story, experience, and perspective to light,” Gobel said.
“The Auditor’s office is where everyone, regardless of their beliefs or politics, takes care of the basics – those kitchen table issues that keep us moving in good times and bad. I will bring back faith and trust in democracy by building an auditor’s office that prioritizes excellent customer service, operates with transparency, and assures you that you, your life, and your vote, truly matter.”
Gobel spent 17 years working in Washington elections at both Snohomish County and the Secretary of State’s Office. Most recently, she led a program in the Secretary of State’s office to assist each county with election procedures, ensure compliance with all state and federal election laws, and upheld the integrity of voting systems.
Prior to the Secretary of State’s office, she spent 12 years working for the Snohomish County Elections Department. She was hired to implement the then-newly developed statewide voter registration database and worked closely with vendors and the Secretary of State’s office to ensure smooth implementation. She assisted thousands of voters by answering questions, issuing replacement ballots, explaining candidate filing, providing election assistance, and ensuring that voters had the information and materials necessary to participate in the election process.
Before her time in the election office, Gobel worked in law enforcement. In her decade of service, she rose from student patrol, to dispatch, to Communications Manager for the University of Washington Police Department.
Gobel also chairs Best Schools Marysville, a group organized to help educate about school levies and their importance for our development. Her work to engage groups across the district helped build trust in the community and led to record high voter turnout, passing the levy. She was previously a Guardian Ad Litem for Superior Court advocating for children and their needs, participated in the Pro Bono Pledge providing hours of free legal services to her community, and currently volunteers as a Certified Mediator for Volunteers of America.
Gobel attended Western Washington University for her bachelors and earned her law degree from Seattle University. She lives in Marysville with her daughters.
The campaign will host a kickoff event on Tuesday, May 23rd from 6 to 9 PM at Floral Hall in Forest Park (802 E. Mukilteo Blvd, Everett, WA 98203). The event includes light refreshments catered by Ryan’s REZ-ipes. RSVP here.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
