You must be a registered voter and possess the qualifications specified by law. Most offices require the candidate to be registered within the district.  Exceptions are US Congress and Superior Court.

If a candidate must be selected by voters from a geographic subdivision of a jurisdiction in the primary, the candidate must be properly registered to vote within that subdivision. RCW 29A.24.075

Contact the jurisdiction of the office to learn if there are additional qualifications.

The Secretary of State accepts candidate filings for federal and statewide executive offices, and for any legislative, court of appeals, and superior court office serving more than one county.

Your county elections department accepts filings for all other offices. Online filing is not available at all county elections departments. Contact your county elections department for directions and hours of operation.

For a list of State offices: https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/candidates/Offices-Open-for-Election.aspx

Candidate filing week – May 13-17

1. Online – fast and easy!

File online at: https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/candidates/Online-Candidate-Filing.aspx

Online filing begins May 13 at 9am and ends May 17 at 4pm. Pay your filing fee online with Visa, MasterCard or American Express.

2. In person

If you file with the Secretary of State, file here:

Washington Secretary of State’s Office

Legislative Building

416 Sid Snyder Ave SW

Olympia, WA 98504

Monday, May 13, 8am through Friday, May 17, 5pm

If you file with your county auditor’s office, you can find the address here:

http://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/auditors

3. By mail (can only be received up to 10 business days before the start of filing week)

If you file with the Secretary of State, mail your declaration and filing fee to:

Candidate Filing

Office of the Secretary of State

P.O. Box 40229

Olympia, WA 98504-0229

If you file with your county auditor’s office, you can find the mailing address here: