Running for office

When is online candidate filing available?

Online candidate filing is available 24 hours a day starting May 17, 2021, at 9 a.m. and ending on May 21, 2021, at 4 p.m.

What do I need before I start filing for office?

Before you file for office you will need to:

• Verify that you are registered to vote in the district for which you are filing.
• Verify that your voter registration information is correct by logging into My Voter Information.
• If your registration information is not correct, call us at 206-296-1565 before starting to file.
• Read the Candidate Manual .

What offices do not file in King County?

The following districts must file with the Secretary of State's Office :

• US Senator
• US Representative
• State Supreme Court
• State Senator and Representative for Legislative Districts 1, 30, 31, 32, and 39

The following districts must file with the primary filing officer:

• City of Milton - Pierce County
• East Pierce Fire & Rescue - Pierce County
• Fife School District No. 417 - Pierce County
• Snoqualmie Pass Fire Protection District No. 51 – Kittitas County
• Snoqualmie Pass Utility District – Kittitas County

What information will I need to complete my filing?

When you are ready to file for office, you will need:

• First and last name as you are registered to vote
• Date of birth
• Residential address
• Campaign contact information (if any)
• Email address
• Phone number
• Valid credit card or checking account number (if there is a filing fee)
  • If you are submitting a filing fee petition, you must file in person at the Elections office in Renton

How long will I have to complete my filing online?

There is no time limit, but the system will timeout after 30 minutes of no activity.

If I withdraw my filing, will the filing fee amount be refunded?

No, all filing fees are non-refundable (RCW 29A.24.131).

Why doesn’t the County pay the processing fee for online payments?

We do not receive any part of the convenience fee. State law requires that the person paying the fee, not the county, bear the cost (RCW 30.29.190).

I do not currently live in the district but will be moving soon. Can I list an address I do not yet live at?

No, you must meet all of the qualifications for the office at the time of filing. Knowingly providing false information on the declaration of candidacy is a class C felony (RCW 29A.04.311).

I updated my voter registration today. Why isn’t that change showing online?

Online registrations and changes are not processed immediately. If you have any questions about your voter registration or address changes, call us at 206-296-1565.

When is online voters’ pamphlet filing available?

Online local voters’ pamphlet filing is available 24 hours a day starting May 17, 2021, at 9 a.m. and ending on May 28, 2021, at 4:30 p.m.

What office do I file my materials with?

The Offices Subject to Election lists where you should file your voters’ pamphlet materials, as well as the word limit for your statement. Districts that are in more than one county must file their voters’ pamphlet materials with both counties. Shared districts are noted in the Offices Subject to Election .

What will I need to complete my filing?

Review the Candidate Manual . When you are ready to file, you will need:

• Voter ID number
• Statement (if any)
• Photo (if any)
• Campaign contact information (if any)
• Email address
• Phone number

How long will I have to complete my filing online?

There is no time limit, but the system will timeout after 30 minutes of no activity.

I missed the deadline. Can I still file my statement and photo?

No, all statements and photos must be received before the deadline. There are no exceptions for late submissions.

I just noticed an error in my statement. Can I change it?

No, once filed no changes are accepted. If the deadline has not yet passed, you can withdraw your filing and then re-file before the deadline. If the deadline has passed, no changes are accepted. No exceptions.

Can I use all caps, bold, or underline to emphasize parts of my statement?

No, only the use of italics is allowed. Statements that are submitted with all caps, bold, or underline will be changed to italics.

My statement is a few words over the word limit. Can I submit it anyway?

No, statements must not exceed the word limit.