Washington statutes allow counties to adopt, by public vote, a "Home Rule Charter."  Adopting a charter allows counties to adopt a "constitution" that can change their form of government and/or create requirements for the operation of goverment beyond those required in the State constitution.

Clallam County is one of six counties that has adopted a charter form of government.  Clallam County´s charter was adopted in 1976 and has been amended several times since.  Key changes from the statutory form of government under which non-charter counties operate include many non-partisan elected officials, a county initiative and referendum process, and an elected Department of Community Development Director.