OLYMPIA — Candidate Filing Week begins Monday, May 4 at 8 a.m., opening the window for Washington residents to declare candidacy for more than 16,700 elected positions across the state.
Declarations of candidacy must be received, along with full payment, by 5 p.m. Friday, May 8. While online and in-person filing opens May 4, mailed declarations are already being accepted.
Eligible candidates can file for a wide range of offices, from precinct committee officer positions to seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. A total of 155 federal and state offices are available for filing through the Washington Secretary of State’s Office, with additional local positions handled by county elections offices.
This year’s ballot includes all 10 of Washington’s U.S. House seats, along with 24 seats in the Washington State Senate and all 98 seats in the House of Representatives.
Candidates may file online, by mail or in person. State-level candidates can file in person at the Legislative Building in Olympia during the filing period.
“Running for office at the local, state or federal level is an opportunity to make a direct difference in your communities,” Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said. “Online filing makes declaring candidacy easier and more accessible than ever for all interested Washingtonians.”
State officials are encouraging candidates to file online, noting it is the fastest and most efficient method. Those filing by mail must submit a Declaration of Candidacy form along with payment to the Secretary of State’s Office.
Detailed information on filing fees, open positions and requirements is available through the Secretary of State’s Elections Division website. Additional guidance, including the State Candidate Guide and frequently asked questions, is also available online.
Local candidates must file through the county elections office where the position is located.
For additional information or assistance, candidates can contact the Elections Division at (800) 448-4881 or elections@sos.wa.gov.
