Everett council candidate Niko Battle faces eligibility challenge in court

Niko Battle, who won the August primary for Everett City Council District 4, faces an eligibility challenge that could remove them from the ballot. Resident John Dimas filed the challenge, asserting that Battle does not live at their registered address. Dimas contacted the apartment complex where Battle claims to live, and the manager reported no record of Battle in the lease. Battle previously stated they are not on the lease but mentioned an apartment number during an interview. The Snohomish County Superior Court will hear the case on September 9, just ahead of the November election.

If the court disqualifies Battle, state law allows Burbano to replace them on the ballot. The elections office aims to finalize the ballot by September 9. The city has expressed a desire for a resolution to maintain the integrity of the City Council election process.