The Port of Pasco will modify how its board of commissioners is elected as part of a court-approved settlement with a voting rights group. 

Commissioners will now be elected in primary and general elections only by registered voters in their assigned district, according to a port news release. The settlement, approved by Franklin County Superior Court Judge Bronson Brown, also establishes that port elections will occur in even-numbered years, starting with the District 3 position, currently held by the appointed Hans Engelke, in 2026. 

Both the port and the UCLA Voting Rights Project, which worked with local voters to challenge the port’s commissioner election structure, lauded the settlement. 

“This agreement not only confirms the legality of the port’s existing commissioner district boundaries, it affirms the port’s commitment to ensuring all voters have an equal voice in elections,” said Port Executive Director Adam Lincoln in a statement. 

“The League of United Latin American Citizens is proud of the settlement today. We advocate for all voters in the Port of Pasco to be able to elect a candidate of their choice in their respective districts and believe this settlement to be an essential part of our efforts, said Gabriel Portugal, one of the plaintiffs and national vice president for the Northwest for the League of United Latin American Citizens. “This resolution empowers every voting member of our community to have a seat at the table.” 

Gabriel and Jose Trinidad-Corral, supported by the UCLA Voting Rights Project and Morfin Law, challenged the port’s elections under the Washington Voting Rights Act of 2018, contending that its at-large general elections intentionally diluted the votes of Latino voters. 

The settlement was a compromise following six months of negotiations. It also calls for the port to pay $50,000 to cover a portion of the plaintiff’s legal costs. 

The settlement will not affect the November 2025 election for the District 2 position on the board. That seat is currently held by Jean Ryckman, who is not seeking re-election. Matt Watkins, former mayor of Pasco and currently executive director of the Pasco Public Facilities District, is the only candidate who has registered to stand for election.