VANCOUVER, Wash. – Mike Pond, candidate for Vancouver City Council, Position 6, filed for office the morning of May 13, 2019. Pond was able to waive the candidate-filing fee after collecting 340 signatures from registered voters of Vancouver, exceeding the required amount of 240 signatures.

One signature is required for every dollar of the filing fee ($240.60 for the Vancouver City Council). Pond was required to be witness to every signature gathered for the petition. During his regular attendance of community events and meetings, including several neighborhood associations, and spending time at the Vancouver Farmers Market, Pond spoke to voters, who overwhelmingly decided to give him an opportunity to appear on the ballot.

According to the Clark County Elections Office, Pond is the first person to successfully file for candidacy in Clark County history by collecting signatures in lieu of the filing fee. Instead of relying on the donations of a few people, Pond appealed directly to the constituents he desires to represent. This is a reflection of his commitment to reach out to the community and build meaningful relationships.

When asked about this achievement, Pond stated “It was never about the money, it was about knocking down any barriers to participating in the political process.”