Sorenson v. City of Bellingham

The City of Bellingham denied an application by Ron Sorenson to run for a position on a board of freeholders, who were to draft a new city charter, on the ground that Sorenson owned no real property in the city. The city acted pursuant to relevant Washington statutory and constitutional requirements. In a declaratory judgment proceeding brought by Sorenson, the superior court upheld the validity of the city’s'action. Sorenson now appeals.

Sorenson’s lack of ownership of property in the city is the sole basis of his disqualification. The constitutional question presented on appeal is whether…