Challenge to Woodinville Councilmember Scott Hageman's Voter Registration Submitted to King County

Where Woodinville City Council member Scott Hageman lives and whether he's eligible to be a Woodinville City Councilor are at the crux of a voter registration challenge recently filed with King County Elections department.

Woodinville resident Dale Knapinski filed the challenge after it came to light in February that Hageman moved out of his former house in Woodinville, bought a home in Kirkland and had not updated his voter registration. All councilmembers must be legally registered voters in the city in which they hold office throughout their term of office.

The challenge can be seen on the King County website. It includes a  questioning Hageman's residency status and asking the city to suspend Hageman’s councilmember compensation until he is in compliance with residency requirements.

The filing documents also include public records on Hageman's Kirkland home purchase with a document Hageman allegedly signed saying the Kirkland home will be Hageman's principle residence.

It also includes voter registration information for Hageman, which lists his previous address. Documents show another person registered to vote using that address in December. There are also emails from Hageman to former Woodinville Mayor Lucy DeYoung asking for her advice on the matter.

Hageman has not responded to a Patch request seeking comment.

When questioned about his residency status in February at a regular council meeting, Hageman mentioned family issues and said that although he bought the home with his wife, it was meant for her and their son. He said he did not consider himself a resident of Kirkland and that he had a lease for a place near his former Woodinville residence. 

Woodinville City Attorney Greg Rubstello said at that meeting it's not a matter the council can decide, but that a residency challenge can be made by city resident or county prosecuting attorney. He also said a potential problem exists if it is found out a councilor has been occupying an elected position he is no longer qualified for, because it could invalidate actions taken by the council.

Click here to read that story.

The Woodinville City Council is expected to discuss the issue of councilmember residency requirements during Tuesday's March 5 regular council meeting at Woodinville City Hall. The meeting starts at 7 p.m.

Click here to see the related voter registration documents on the King County website.

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