title: RCW 29A.08.820

text:
(1) Challenges must be filed with the county auditor of the county in which the challenged voter is registered no later than 45 days before the election. The county auditor or auditor's designee presides over the hearing.
(2) Challenges may be filed after 45 days before the election, only when the challenged voter registered to vote less than 60 days before the election, or changed residence less than 60 days before the election without updating the residence address of the voter's voter registration. A challenge may then be filed not later than 10 days before any primary or election, general or special, or within 10 days of the voter being added to the voter registration database, whichever is later.
(a) If the challenge is filed after 45 days before an election at which the challenged voter is eligible to vote, a notation of the challenge must be made immediately to the challenged voter's registration in the voter registration system, and the county canvassing board shall preside over the hearing.
(b) If the challenge is filed before the challenged voter's ballot is received, the ballot must be processed as a challenged ballot, and held until the challenge is resolved.
(c) If the challenge is filed after the challenged voter's ballot is received, the challenge cannot affect the current election. However, the process shall proceed until the challenge is resolved.
[ 2026 c 212 s 4; 2023 c 466 s 29; 2013 c 11 s 20; 2011 c 10 s 21; 2006 c 320 s 5; 2003 c 111 s 254; 1987 c 288 s 2; 1983 1st ex.s. c 30 s 3. Formerly RCW 29.10.127.]
Notes:
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
Right to vote
loss of: State Constitution Art. 6 s 3.
restoration of: RCW 9.92.066, 9.94A.637, 9.94A.885, 9.95.260, chapter 9.96 RCW.

catchline: Times for filing challenges—Hearings—Treatment of challenged ballots.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 29A.08.835

text:
(1) The county auditor shall, within 10 business days of receipt, publish on the auditor's internet website the entire content of any voter challenge filed under this chapter. Immediately after publishing any voter challenge, the county auditor shall notify any person who requests to receive such notifications on an ongoing basis.
(2) The information on the website may be removed 45 days following the completion or dismissal of the challenge. Information related to the challenge must be maintained by the county auditor for the appropriate retention period, and is subject to disclosure upon request.
[ 2026 c 212 s 5; 2023 c 466 s 30; 2006 c 320 s 1.]

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: County auditor to publish voter challenges on the internet—Ongoing notification requirements—Retention.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 29A.08.840

text:
(1) If the challenge is not in proper form or the factual basis for the challenge does not meet the legal grounds for a challenge, the county auditor must dismiss the challenge and notify the challenger of the reasons for the dismissal. A challenge is not in proper form if it is incomplete on its face or does not comply with the form issued by the secretary of state.
(2) Prior to notifying the voter of any challenge, the county auditor may conduct an initial review of the merits of the challenge. In that initial review of the merits, if the county auditor determines that it is more likely than not that the challenge lacks merit, then the county auditor may dismiss the challenge. The challenger may refile the challenge with additional evidence pursuant to the requirements of RCW 29A.08.810.
(3) If the challenge is in proper form and the factual basis meets the legal grounds for a challenge, the county auditor must notify the challenged voter and provide a copy of the affidavit. The county auditor shall also provide to any person, upon request, a copy of all materials provided to the challenged voter.
(a) The notice must be in a form provided by the secretary of state, sent by forwardable certified mail to the address provided in the voter registration record, and any other addresses at which the challenged voter is alleged to reside or the county auditor reasonably expects the voter to receive notice, and by email and phone, if the county auditor has such information in its records, and include:
(i) A copy of the challenge form and affidavit;
(ii) Methods by which the voter can confirm eligibility, including by mail, online, phone, in person, or at a scheduled hearing;
(iii) Notice of any consequences for failing to respond to the challenge; and
(iv) For challenges based on a change of address, a clear statement that the voter remains registered and eligible to vote in that election.
(b) If the challenge is to the residential address provided by the voter, the challenged voter must be provided notice of the exceptions allowed in RCW 29A.08.112 and 29A.04.151, and Article VI, section 4 of the state Constitution, and may update the residence address on the voter's voter registration, or reregister until 8:00 p.m. the day of the election.
(c) Subject to (d) of this subsection, and only if after providing notice, eligibility cannot be confirmed and the challenge remains, the county auditor must schedule a hearing and notify the challenger and the challenged voter of the time and place for the hearing.
(d) A hearing shall only be scheduled if the county auditor is unable to confirm the voter's eligibility and, based on the evidence submitted by the challenger, there is probable cause that the challenged voter is not qualified to vote. Challenges that do not meet the probable cause standard shall be dismissed without a hearing.
(e) If, at any point, the county auditor is able to independently verify the eligibility of the challenged voter, the auditor shall dismiss the challenge without a hearing.
(4)(a) The hearing notification must be by certified forwardable mail to the address provided in the voter registration record, and any other addresses at which the challenged voter is alleged to reside or the county auditor reasonably expects the voter to receive notice. The county auditor shall also notify the challenged voter by phone, including leaving a voicemail if possible, or email if the county auditor has such information in its records. If the county auditor receives no response from the challenged voter within 10 calendar days, the county auditor must provide the same such notice a second time. The secretary of state shall create a standard form for notification by mail and email. The challenger must appear in person at the hearing. The challenged voter may either appear in person or submit testimony by affidavit. Personal appearance may be accomplished using video telecommunications technology if the auditor or canvassing board chooses.
(b) The hearing notice must include:
(i) A copy of the challenge form and affidavit;
(ii) Methods by which the voter can confirm eligibility, including by mail, online, phone, or in person;
(iii) Notice of any consequences for failing to respond to the challenge; and
(iv) How responding to the challenge may help the voter remain registered to vote.
(5) The challenger has the burden to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the challenged voter's registration is improper. The challenged voter must be provided a reasonable opportunity to respond. If the challenge is to the residential address provided by the voter, the challenged voter may provide evidence that he or she resides at the location described in his or her voter's registration records, or meets one of the exceptions allowed in RCW 29A.08.112 or 29A.04.151, or Article VI, section 4 of the state Constitution. If the challenger fails to appear at the hearing, the challenge must be dismissed. If the challenged voter fails to appear at the hearing or submit an affidavit in lieu of appearing at the hearing, the challenge must be resolved based on the available facts and the challenger still has the burden to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the challenged voter's registration is improper.
(6)(a) If the challenge is based on an allegation under RCW 29A.08.810(1) (a), (b), (d), or (e) and the auditor, auditor's designee, or canvassing board sustains the challenge, the voter registration shall be canceled and any challenged ballot shall not be counted.
(b)(i) If the challenge is based on an allegation under RCW 29A.08.810(1)(c) and the auditor, auditor's designee, or canvassing board sustains the challenge, the voter shall be permitted to correct the residence address on the voter registration and any races and ballot measures on any challenged ballot that the voter would have been qualified to vote for had the registration been correct shall be counted if the challenge is sustained prior to certification of the election.
(ii) If the voter does not provide their correct residence address, the voter shall be placed on inactive status. Any challenged ballot shall not be counted unless the voter provides their corrected residence address by the day before the certification of the election, in which case any races and ballot measures that the voter would have been qualified to vote for had the registration been correct shall be counted.
(c) If the challenge is based on an allegation under RCW 29A.08.810(1)(c), the auditor, auditor's designee, or canvassing board sustains the challenge, and the voter provides a corrected residence address that is outside of the state, the voter registration shall be canceled, and any challenged ballot shall not be counted.
(7) If the challenger fails to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the registration is improper, the challenge must be dismissed and any pending challenged ballot must be accepted as valid. All challenged ballots must be resolved before certification of the election. The decision of the county auditor or canvassing board is final subject only to judicial review by the superior court under chapter 34.05 RCW.
(8) Any challenger that knowingly provides false information as part of a voter registration challenge under this chapter, either before or during an election, is guilty of false swearing under RCW 9A.72.040, with a fine in an amount fixed by the court of not more than $10,000.
(9) Any challenger that knowingly challenges a person's voter registration without reasonable cause under this chapter, either before or during an election, is guilty of a misdemeanor. Each instance where a challenger knowingly makes a challenge without reasonable cause constitutes a separate offense.
[ 2026 c 212 s 6; 2023 c 466 s 31; 2006 c 320 s 6; 2003 c 111 s 256. Prior: 1987 c 288 s 4; 1983 1st ex.s. c 30 s 5; 1971 ex.s. c 202 s 34; 1967 c 225 s 3; 1965 ex.s. c 156 s 3. Formerly RCW 29.10.140.]

catchline: County auditor duties—Dismissal of challenges—Notification—Hearings—Counting or cancellation of ballots.


title: RCW 29A.08.850

text:
(1) The secretary of state must provide forms for voter registration challenges, and the county auditor must make such forms available. A challenge is not required to be submitted on the provided voter challenge form, but may be prepared using an official electronic voter challenge form template provided by the auditor or secretary of state that has been printed and signed by the challenger for submission.
(2) Each form must include:
(a) The challenger's name, address, and contact information;
(b) The challenged voter's name and address;
(c) A statement of the factual basis for the challenge as required under RCW 29A.08.810, including any information required by RCW 29A.08.810(1)(c);
(d) The challenger's signature certifying that all information provided in the form is true and correct; and
(e) A clear statement providing that such certification is subject to penalty of perjury under chapter 9A.72 RCW.
[ 2026 c 212 s 7; 2006 c 320 s 7; 2003 c 111 s 257; 1991 c 81 s 27; 1971 ex.s. c 202 s 35; 1965 ex.s. c 156 s 4. Formerly RCW 29.10.150.]
Notes:
Effective date—1991 c 81: See note following RCW 29A.84.540.

catchline: Challenge of registration—Forms, availability.


title: RCW 29A.12.005

text:
As used in this chapter, "voting system" means:
(1) The total combination of mechanical, electromechanical, or electronic equipment including, but not limited to, the software, firmware, and documentation required to program, control, and support the equipment, that is used:
(a) To define ballots;
(b) To cast and count votes;
(c) To report or display election results from the voting system;
(d) To maintain and produce any audit trail information; and
(e) To perform an audit under RCW 29A.60.185; and
(2) The practices and associated documentation used:
(a) To identify system components and versions of such components;
(b) To test the system during its development and maintenance;
(c) To maintain records of system errors and defects;
(d) To determine specific system changes to be made to a system after the initial qualification of the system; and
(e) To make available any materials to the voter such as notices, instructions, forms, or paper ballots.
[ 2018 c 218 s 5; 2013 c 11 s 21; 2004 c 267 s 601.]
Notes:
Intent—2018 c 218: See note following RCW 29A.60.185.
Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

catchline: "Voting system."


title: RCW 29A.12.010

text:
At any primary or election in any county, votes may be cast, registered, recorded, or counted by means of voting systems that have been approved under RCW 29A.12.020.
[ 2003 c 111 s 301. Prior: 1990 c 59 s 17; 1967 ex.s. c 109 s 12; 1965 c 9 s 29.33.020; prior: (i) 1913 c 58 s 1, part; RRS s 5300, part. (ii) 1913 c 58 s 18; RRS s 5318. Formerly RCW 29.33.020.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—1990 c 59: See notes following RCW 29A.04.013.

catchline: Authority for use.


title: RCW 29A.12.020

text:
The secretary of state shall inspect, evaluate, and publicly test all voting systems or components of voting systems that are submitted for review under RCW 29A.12.030. The secretary of state shall determine whether the voting systems conform with all of the requirements of this title, the applicable rules adopted in accordance with this title, and with generally accepted safety requirements. The secretary of state shall transmit a copy of the report of any examination under this section, within thirty days after completing the examination, to the county auditor of each county.
[ 2003 c 111 s 302. Prior: 1990 c 59 s 18; 1982 c 40 s 1. Formerly RCW 29.33.041.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—1990 c 59: See notes following RCW 29A.04.013.
Severability—1982 c 40: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1982 c 40 s 11.]

catchline: Inspection and test by secretary of state—Report.


title: RCW 29A.12.030

text:
The manufacturer or distributor of a voting system or component of a voting system may submit that system or component to the secretary of state for examination under RCW 29A.12.020.
[ 2003 c 111 s 303. Prior: 1990 c 59 s 19; 1982 c 40 s 2. Formerly RCW 29.33.051.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—1990 c 59: See notes following RCW 29A.04.013.
Severability—1982 c 40: See note following RCW 29A.12.020.

catchline: Submitting system or component for examination.


title: RCW 29A.12.040

text:
(1) The secretary of state may rely on the results of independent design, engineering, and performance evaluations in the examination under RCW 29A.12.020 if the source and scope of these independent evaluations are specified by rule.
(2) The secretary of state may contract with experts in mechanical or electrical engineering or data processing to assist in examining a voting system or component. The manufacturer or distributor who has submitted a voting system for testing under RCW 29A.12.030 shall pay the secretary of state a deposit to reimburse the cost of any contract for consultation under this section and for any other unrecoverable costs associated with the examination of a voting system or component by the manufacturer or distributor who submitted the voting system or component for examination.
[ 2003 c 111 s 304. Prior: 1990 c 59 s 20; 1982 c 40 s 3. Formerly RCW 29.33.061.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—1990 c 59: See notes following RCW 29A.04.013.
Severability—1982 c 40: See note following RCW 29A.12.020.

catchline: Independent evaluation.


title: RCW 29A.12.050

text:
(1) Prior to use in conducting any primary or election, the secretary of state must approve systems used in the conduct of elections, including:
(a) Voting systems, voting devices, or vote tallying systems, unless approved under this chapter or the former chapter 29.34 RCW before March 22, 1982; and
(b) Any mechanical, electromechanical, or electronic equipment or platform, including software, firmware, or hardware that is used:
(i) In issuing a ballot;
(ii) To facilitate voters' response to a required notice;
(iii) To provide an electronic means for submission of a ballot declaration signature under RCW 29A.60.165; or
(iv) To issue, authenticate, or validate voter identification.
(2) The secretary of state may, after review, determine that a modification, change, or improvement to any voting system or component of a system does not require a full reexamination or reapproval by the secretary of state under RCW 29A.12.020.
[ 2025 c 329 s 2; 2003 c 111 s 305; 1990 c 59 s 21; 1982 c 40 s 4. Formerly RCW 29.33.081.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2025 c 329: See note following RCW 29A.12.210.
Intent—Effective date—1990 c 59: See notes following RCW 29A.04.013.
Severability—1982 c 40: See note following RCW 29A.12.020.

catchline: Approval by secretary of state required.


title: RCW 29A.12.060

text:
The county auditor of a county in which voting systems are used is responsible for the preparation, maintenance, and operation of those systems and may employ and direct persons to perform some or all of these functions.
[ 2003 c 111 s 306. Prior: 1990 c 59 s 22; 1965 c 9 s 29.33.130; prior: 1955 c 323 s 2; prior: 1935 c 85 s 1, part; 1919 c 163 s 23, part; 1915 c 114 s 5, part; 1913 c 58 s 10, part; RRS s 5309, part. Formerly RCW 29.33.130.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—1990 c 59: See notes following RCW 29A.04.013.

catchline: Maintenance and operation.


title: RCW 29A.12.070

text:
An agreement to purchase or lease a voting system or a component of a voting system is subject to that system or component passing:
(1) An acceptance test sufficient to demonstrate that the equipment is the same as that certified by the secretary of state and that the equipment is operating correctly as delivered to the county; and
(2) A vulnerability test conducted by a federal or state public entity which includes participation by local elections officials.
[ 2020 c 101 s 3; 2003 c 111 s 307. Prior: 1998 c 58 s 1; 1990 c 59 s 23. Formerly RCW 29.33.145.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2020 c 101: See note following RCW 29A.12.200.
Intent—Effective date—1990 c 59: See notes following RCW 29A.04.013.

catchline: Acceptance and vulnerability tests.


title: RCW 29A.12.080

text:
No voting device shall be approved by the secretary of state unless it:
(1) Secures to the voter secrecy in the act of voting;
(2) Permits the voter to vote for any person for any office and upon any measure that he or she has the right to vote for;
(3) Correctly registers all votes cast for any and all persons and for or against any and all measures;
(4) Provides that a vote for more than one candidate cannot be cast by one single operation of the voting device or vote tally system except when voting for president and vice president of the United States; and
(5) Except for functions or capabilities unique to this state, has been tested and certified by an independent testing authority designated by the United States election assistance commission.
[ 2013 c 11 s 22; 2006 c 207 s 2; 2003 c 111 s 308. Prior: 1990 c 59 s 26; 1982 c 40 s 6; 1977 ex.s. c 361 s 66; 1971 ex.s. c 6 s 1; 1967 ex.s. c 109 s 18. Formerly RCW 29.33.300, 29.34.080.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—1990 c 59: See notes following RCW 29A.04.013.
Severability—1982 c 40: See note following RCW 29A.12.020.
Effective date—Severability—1977 ex.s. c 361: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.
Severability—1971 ex.s. c 6: "If any provision of this 1971 amendatory act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1971 ex.s. c 6 s 3.]
Voting devices, machines—Recording requirements: RCW 29A.12.150.

catchline: Requirements for approval.


title: RCW 29A.12.085

text:
Beginning on January 1, 2006, all direct recording electronic voting devices must produce a paper record of each vote that may be accepted or rejected by the voter before finalizing his or her vote. This record may not be removed from the voting center, and must be human readable without an interface and machine readable for counting purposes. If the device is programmed to display the ballot in multiple languages, the paper record produced must be printed in the language used by the voter. Rejected records must either be destroyed or marked in order to clearly identify the record as rejected. Paper records produced by direct recording electronic voting devices are subject to all the requirements of chapter 29A.60 RCW for ballot handling, preservation, reconciliation, transit, and storage. The paper records must be preserved in the same manner and for the same period of time as ballots.
[ 2011 c 10 s 22; 2005 c 242 s 1.]
Notes:
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
Preservation: RCW 29A.60.095.
Unauthorized removal from voting center: RCW 29A.84.545.

catchline: Paper record.


title: RCW 29A.12.101

text:
The secretary of state shall not approve a vote tallying system unless it:
(1) Correctly counts votes on ballots on which the proper number of votes have been marked for any office or issue;
(2) Ignores votes marked for any office or issue where more than the allowable number of votes have been marked, but correctly counts the properly voted portions of the ballot;
(3) Accumulates a count of the specific number of ballots tallied for each precinct, total votes by candidate for each office, and total votes for and against each issue of the ballot in that precinct;
(4) Produces precinct and cumulative totals in printed form; and
(5) Except for functions or capabilities unique to this state, has been tested and certified by an independent testing authority designated by the United States election assistance commission.
[ 2006 c 207 s 3; 2004 c 271 s 109.]

catchline: Requirements of tallying systems for approval.


title: RCW 29A.12.110

text:
In preparing a voting device for a primary or election, a record shall be made of the programming installed in each device. Except where provided by a rule adopted under RCW 29A.04.611, after being prepared for a primary or election, each device shall be sealed with a uniquely numbered seal. The programmed memory pack for each voting device must be sealed into the device during final preparation and logic and accuracy testing. Except in the case of a device breakdown or error in programming, the memory pack must remain sealed in the device until after 8:00 p.m. on the day of the primary, special election, or general election.
[ 2011 c 10 s 23; 2003 c 111 s 311; 1990 c 59 s 25. Formerly RCW 29.33.330.]
Notes:
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
Intent—Effective date—1990 c 59: See notes following RCW 29A.04.013.

catchline: Record of programming—Devices sealed.


title: RCW 29A.12.120

text:
(1) Before each state primary or general election at which voting systems are to be used, the county auditor shall instruct all counting center personnel who will operate a voting system in the proper conduct of their voting system duties.
(2) The county auditor may waive instructional requirements for counting center personnel who have previously received instruction and who have served for a sufficient length of time to be fully qualified to perform their duties. The county auditor shall keep a record of each person who has received instruction and is qualified to serve at the subsequent primary or election.
(3) No person may operate a voting system in a counting center at a primary or election unless that person has received the required instruction and is qualified to perform his or her duties in connection with the handling and tallying of ballots for that primary or election.
[ 2013 c 11 s 23; 2011 c 10 s 24; 2003 c 111 s 312. Prior: 1990 c 59 s 29; 1977 ex.s. c 361 s 69. Formerly RCW 29.33.340, 29.34.143.]
Notes:
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
Intent—Effective date—1990 c 59: See notes following RCW 29A.04.013.
Effective date—Severability—1977 ex.s. c 361: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.

catchline: Counting center personnel—Instruction, requirements.


title: RCW 29A.12.130

text:
At least three days before each state primary or general election, the office of the secretary of state shall provide for the conduct of tests of the programming for each vote tallying system to be used at that primary or general election. The test must verify that the system will correctly count the vote cast for all candidates and on all measures appearing on the ballot at that primary or general election. The test shall verify the capability of the vote tallying system to perform all of the functions that can reasonably be expected to occur during conduct of that particular primary or election. If any error is detected, the cause shall be determined and corrected, and an errorless total shall be produced before the primary or election.
Such tests shall be observed by at least one representative from each major political party, if representatives have been appointed by the respective major political parties and are present at the test, and shall be open to candidates, the press, and the public. The county auditor and any political party observers shall certify that the test has been conducted in accordance with this section. Copies of this certification shall be retained by the secretary of state and the county auditor. All programming materials, test results, and test ballots shall be securely sealed until the day of the primary or general election.
[ 2003 c 111 s 313; 1998 c 58 s 2; 1990 c 59 s 32; 1977 ex.s. c 361 s 73. Formerly RCW 29.33.350, 29.34.163.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—1990 c 59: See notes following RCW 29A.04.013.
Effective date—Severability—1977 ex.s. c 361: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.

catchline: Tallying systems—Programming tests.


title: RCW 29A.12.140

text:
The secretary of state may publish recommended procedures for the operation of the various vote tallying systems that have been approved. These procedures allow the office of the secretary of state to restrict or define the use of approved systems in elections.
[ 2003 c 111 s 314. Prior: 1998 c 58 s 3; 1990 c 59 s 34; 1977 ex.s. c 361 s 75; 1967 ex.s. c 109 s 32. Formerly RCW 29.33.360, 29.34.170.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—1990 c 59: See notes following RCW 29A.04.013.
Effective date—Severability—1977 ex.s. c 361: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.

catchline: Operating procedures.


title: RCW 29A.12.150

text:
The secretary of state shall not certify under this title any voting device or machine for use in conducting a primary or general or special election in this state unless the device or machine correctly records on a separate ballot the votes cast by each elector for any person and for or against any measure and such separate ballots are available for audit purposes after such a primary or election.
[ 2013 c 11 s 24; 2003 c 111 s 315; 1998 c 245 s 26; 1991 c 363 s 30; 1990 c 184 s 1. Formerly RCW 29.04.200.]
Notes:
Purpose—Captions not law—1991 c 363: See notes following RCW 2.32.180.

catchline: Recording requirements.


title: RCW 29A.12.160

text:
(1) At each voting center, at least one voting unit certified by the secretary of state shall provide access to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
(2) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(a) "Accessible" includes receiving, using, selecting, and manipulating voter data and controls.
(b) "Nonvisual" includes synthesized speech, Braille, and other output methods.
(c) "Blind and visually impaired" excludes persons who are both deaf and blind.
[ 2011 c 10 s 25; 2004 c 267 s 701; 2004 c 266 s 3. Prior: 2003 c 110 s 1. Formerly RCW 29.33.305.]
Notes:
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.
Effective date—2004 c 266: See note following RCW 29A.04.575.

catchline: Blind or visually impaired voter accessibility.


title: RCW 29A.12.180

text:
(1) A manufacturer or distributor of a voting system or component of a voting system that is certified by the secretary of state under RCW 29A.12.020 shall disclose to the secretary of state and attorney general any breach of the security of its system immediately following discovery of the breach if:
(a) The breach has, or is reasonably likely to have, compromised the security, confidentiality, or integrity of an election in any state; or
(b) Personal information of residents in any state was, or is reasonably believed to have been, acquired by an unauthorized person as a result of the breach and the personal information was not secured. For purposes of this subsection, "personal information" has the meaning given in RCW 19.255.005.
(2) Every county must install and maintain an intrusion detection system that passively monitors its network for malicious traffic 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year by a qualified and trained security team with access to cyberincident response personnel who can assist the county in the event of a malicious attack. The system must support the unique security requirements of state, local, tribal, and territorial governments and possess the ability to receive cyberintelligent threat updates to stay ahead of evolving attack patterns.
(3) A county auditor or county information technology director of any county, participating in the shared voter registration system operated by the secretary of state under RCW 29A.08.105 and 29A.08.125, or operating a voting system or component of a voting system that is certified by the secretary of state under RCW 29A.12.020 shall disclose to the secretary of state and attorney general any malicious activity or breach of the security of any of its information technology (IT) systems immediately following discovery if:
(a) Malicious activity was detected by an information technology intrusion detection system (IDS), malicious domain blocking and reporting system, or endpoint security software, used by the county, the county auditor, or the county election office;
(b) A breach has, or is reasonably likely to have, compromised the security, confidentiality, or integrity of election systems, information technology systems used by the county staff to manage and support the administration of elections, or peripheral information technology systems that support the auditor's office in the office's day-to-day activities;
(c) The breach has, or is reasonably likely to have, compromised the security, confidentiality, or integrity of an election within the state; or
(d) Personal information of residents in any state was, or is reasonably believed to have been, acquired by an unauthorized person as a result of the breach and the personal information was not secured. For purposes of this subsection, "personal information" has the meaning given in RCW 19.255.005.
(4) A manufacturer of, distributor of, or organization contracted to provide support to, the voter registration database system required by RCW 29A.08.125, the official voter list required by RCW 29A.08.105, or systems or components of the voter registration system used by the secretary of state shall disclose to the secretary of state and attorney general any security breach of any of that organization's systems immediately following discovery of the breach if:
(a) The breach has, or is reasonably likely to have, compromised the security, confidentiality, or integrity of an election in any state; or
(b) Personal information of residents in any state was, or is reasonably believed to have been, acquired by an unauthorized person as a result of the breach and the personal information was not secured. For purposes of this subsection, "personal information" has the meaning given in RCW 19.255.005.
(5) For purposes of this section:
(a) "Malicious activity" means an external or internal threat that is designed to damage, disrupt, or compromise an information technology network, as well as the hardware and applications that reside on the network, thereby impacting performance, data integrity, and the confidentiality of data on the network. Threats include viruses, ransomware, trojan horses, worms, malware, data loss, or the disabling or removing of information technology security systems.
(b) "Security breach" means a breach of the election system, information technology systems used to administer and support the election process, or associated data where the system or associated data has been penetrated, accessed, or manipulated by an unauthorized person. The definition of breach includes all unauthorized access to systems by external or internal personnel or organizations, including personnel employed by a county or the state providing access to systems that have the potential to lead to a breach.
(6) Notification under this section must be made in the most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay.
[ 2025 c 329 s 3; 2024 c 28 s 1; 2018 c 218 s 6.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2025 c 329: See note following RCW 29A.12.210.
Intent—2018 c 218: See note following RCW 29A.60.185.

catchline: Disclosure of security breaches—Use of intrusion detection system.


title: RCW 29A.12.190

text:
(1) The secretary of state may decertify a voting system or any component of a voting system and withdraw authority for its future use or sale in the state if, at any time after certification, the secretary of state determines that:
(a) The system or component fails to meet the standards set forth in applicable federal guidelines;
(b) The system or component was materially misrepresented in the certification application;
(c) The applicant has installed unauthorized modifications to the certified software or hardware; or
(d) Any other reason authorized by rule adopted by the secretary of state.
(2) The secretary of state may decertify a voting system or any component of a voting system and withdraw authority for its future use or sale in the state if the manufacturer or distributor of the voting system or component thereof fails to comply with the notification requirements of RCW 29A.12.180.
[ 2018 c 218 s 7.]
Notes:
Intent—2018 c 218: See note following RCW 29A.60.185.

catchline: Decertification.


title: RCW 29A.12.200

text:
(1) The secretary of state must annually consult with the Washington state fusion center, state chief information officer, and each county auditor to identify instances of security breaches of election systems or election data.
(2) To the extent possible, the secretary of state must identify whether the source of a security breach, if any, is a foreign entity, domestic entity, or both.
(3) By December 31st of each year, the secretary of state must submit a report to the governor, state chief information officer, Washington state fusion center, and the chairs and ranking members of the appropriate legislative committees from the senate and house of representatives that includes information on any instances of security breaches identified under subsection (1) of this section and options to increase the security of the election systems and election data, and to prevent future security breaches. The report, and any related material, data, or information provided pursuant to subsection (1) of this section or used to assemble the report, may only be distributed to, or otherwise shared with, the individuals specifically mentioned in this subsection (3).
(4) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Domestic entity" means an entity organized or formed under the laws of the United States, a person domiciled in the United States, or a citizen of the United States, and includes elected officials and staff of the state or a county.
(b) "Foreign entity" means an entity that is not organized or formed under the laws of the United States, or a person who is not domiciled in the United States or a citizen of the United States.
(c) "Security breach" means a breach of the election system or associated data where the system or associated data has been penetrated, accessed, or manipulated by an unauthorized person.
[ 2024 c 28 s 2; 2020 c 101 s 2.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2020 c 101: "The legislature finds that public confidence in state elections systems and election data are of paramount consideration to the integrity of the voting process. The legislature also finds that recent events have revealed an intentional and persistent effort by foreign entities to influence election systems and other cybernetworks. Therefore, the legislature intends to review the state's electoral systems and processes and take appropriate measures to identify whether foreign entities were responsible for the intrusions." [ 2020 c 101 s 1.]

catchline: Security breach identification and reporting.


title: RCW 29A.12.210

text:
Each county auditor shall implement no later than July 1, 2027, cybersecurity measures including but not limited to:
(1) Implementation and adoption of the ".gov" top-level domain available through the United States department of homeland security through the cybersecurity and infrastructure security agency for all election and voting systems and infrastructure. This adoption is required for election and voting systems and websites and may include all county cyber assets and email domains.
(2) Partitioning the entire auditor's office, including all of its information technology systems and assets, or specifically partitioning election and voting information technology infrastructure from other county assets. The secretary of state shall consult with county auditors on which systems and assets need to be partitioned or technologically isolated and protected. Eliminating threat actors from moving laterally within a network to target election-related capabilities is paramount. The secretary of state may extend the deadline for a county auditor to comply with this subsection if more time is necessary for implementation.
(3) Isolation of all ballot counting equipment and voting system components as defined in RCW 29A.12.005 from any other network including:
(a) Internal networks within a county election office;
(b) Printer sharing networks external to the ballot counting system;
(c) The internet, world wide web, or other similar networks;
(d) Wifi and radio connectivity;
(e) Wired connectivity; and
(f) Any telephonic or other connectivity.
(4) No configuration of voting systems to:
(a) Establish a connection to an external network; or
(b) Connect to any device external to the voting system.
(5) Purchase of voting systems that include documentation listing security configurations and network security best practices and operating those systems used for conducting primaries and elections in a manner consistent with that documentation.
(6) Restricting all data transfers from any voting system to using single-use, previously erased devices that contain no information prior to connection with the system. This includes pen drives, flash memory drives, memory sticks, and any other removal media used to transfer data. Devices used in data transfer must either be provided by the secretary of state to the county auditor for single use, or the media must be overwritten by the county auditor by following guidelines for media sanitization defined in rules promulgated by the secretary of state.
[ 2025 c 329 s 4.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2025 c 329: "(1) The legislature finds that the electronic and physical security of election and voting infrastructure are of primary importance, and wishes to require new security requirements. The legislature further finds that:
(a) Requiring the use of the ".gov" top-level domain on all websites and email communication reduces opportunities for confusion and cyber threats. The ".gov" top-level domain is managed by the United States department of homeland security through the cybersecurity and infrastructure security agency, is limited to bona fide government agencies, and features fraud prevention controls. There is no fee charged to adopt a ".gov" top-level domain.
(b) Requiring the partitioning of internal government networks, servers, and other supporting electronic infrastructure separate from other electronic equipment housed in the same location provides a more secure environment. Partitioning can involve physically or logically separating the entire auditor's office, including all its information technology systems and assets, or focusing specifically on election and voting infrastructure from other county assets. The goal is to reduce the risk of compromises that may occur on other parts of the county network. Partitioning also enables tighter control and monitoring of access to critical systems, whether it applies to the entire auditor's office or just election-related systems and assets.
(c) Because the secretary of state and county election offices are electronically interconnected and speedy communication with the state when a county is under attack or has suffered a security breach is imperative, requiring all vendors supporting county or state cyber assets to communicate to the secretary of state and the attorney general immediately after detecting a breach or successful cyber attack against their assets is necessary to maintain security.
(2) The legislature intends to require adoption of these security measures in all county election offices as soon as practicable, but no later than July 1, 2027." [ 2025 c 329 s 1.]

catchline: Cybersecurity measures by county auditors.


title: RCW 29A.16.040

text:
The county legislative authority of each county in the state shall divide the county into election precincts and establish the boundaries of the precincts.
(1) Precinct boundaries may be altered at any time as long as sufficient time exists prior to a given election for the necessary procedural steps to be honored. Except as permitted under subsection (3) of this section, no precinct changes may be made during the period starting seven days prior to the first day for candidates to file for the primary election and ending with the day of the general election.
(2) The county legislative authority may establish by ordinance a limitation on the maximum number of active registered voters in each precinct within its jurisdiction. The number may be less than the number established by law, but in no case may the number exceed one thousand five hundred active registered voters.
(3) The county auditor shall temporarily adjust precinct boundaries when a city or town annexes unincorporated territory to the city or town, or whenever unincorporated territory is incorporated as a city or town. The adjustment must be made as soon as possible after the approval of the annexation or incorporation. The temporary adjustment must be limited to the minimum changes necessary to accommodate the addition of the territory to the city or town, or to establish the eligible voters within the boundaries of the new city or town, and remains in effect only until precinct boundary modifications reflecting the annexation or incorporation are adopted by the county legislative authority.
[ 2023 c 394 s 8. Prior: 2011 c 349 s 5; 2011 c 10 s 26; 2004 c 266 s 10; 2003 c 111 s 404; 1999 c 158 s 3; 1994 c 57 s 3; 1986 c 167 s 2; 1980 c 107 s 3; prior: 1977 ex.s. c 361 s 4; 1977 ex.s. c 128 s 1; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 129 s 3; 1967 ex.s. c 109 s 1; 1965 c 9 s 29.04.040; prior: (i) 1921 c 178 s 1, part; 1915 c 11 s 1, part; 1907 c 130 s 1, part; 1889 p 402 s 7, part; Code 1881 s 3067, part; 1865 p 30 s 1, part; RRS s 5171, part. (ii) 1907 c 130 s 2, part; 1889 p 408 s 21, part; RRS s 5278, part. (iii) Code 1881 s 2679; 1854 p 65 s 4, part; No RRS. Formerly RCW 29.04.040.]
Notes:
Effective date—2011 c 349: See note following RCW 29A.04.255.
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
Effective date—2004 c 266: See note following RCW 29A.04.575.
Severability—1994 c 57: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1994 c 57 s 55.]
Effective date—1994 c 57: "Sections 1 through 3, 7, 10 through 12, 21, 22, 25, 27, 28, 31 through 34, 37 through 40, 42, 44 through 52, and 54 of this act take effect January 1, 1995." [ 1994 c 57 s 56.]
Severability—1986 c 167: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1986 c 167 s 26.]
Effective date—1977 ex.s. c 361: "This 1977 amendatory act shall take effect January 1, 1978." [ 1977 ex.s. c 361 s 113.]
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 361: "If any provision of this 1977 amendatory act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1977 ex.s. c 361 s 112.]
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 128: "If any provision of this 1977 amendatory act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1977 ex.s. c 128 s 6.]
Effective date—Severability—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 129: See notes following RCW 29A.76.040.
"Precinct" defined: RCW 29A.04.121.

catchline: Precincts—Boundaries may be altered.


title: RCW 29A.16.050

text:
(1) Every voting precinct must be wholly within a single congressional district, a single legislative district, a single district of a county legislative authority, and, if applicable, a single city.
(2) Every voting precinct shall be composed, as nearly as practicable, of contiguous and compact areas.
(3) Except as provided in this subsection, changes to the boundaries of any precinct shall follow visible, physical features delineated on the most current maps provided by the United States census bureau. A change need not follow such visible, physical features if (a) it is necessitated by an annexation or incorporation and the proposed precinct boundary is identical to an exterior boundary of the annexed or incorporated area which does not follow a visible, physical feature; or (b) doing so would substantially impair election administration in the involved area.
(4) After a change to precinct boundaries is adopted by the county legislative authority, if the change does not follow visible physical features, the county auditor shall send to the secretary of state an electronic or paper copy of the description, a map or maps of the changes, and a statement of the applicable exception under subsection (3) of this section. For boundary changes made pursuant to subsection (3)(b) of this section, the auditor shall include a statement of the reasons why following visible, physical features would have substantially impaired election administration.
(5) Every voting precinct within each county shall be designated by number for the purpose of preparation of maps and the tabulation of population for apportionment purposes. These precincts may be identified with names or other numbers for other election purposes.
(6) After a change to precinct boundaries in a city or town, the county auditor shall send one copy of the map or maps delineating the new precinct boundaries within that city or town to the city or town clerk.
(7) Precinct maps are public records and shall be available for inspection by the public during normal office hours in the offices where they are kept. Copies shall be made available to the public for a fee necessary to cover the cost of reproduction.
[ 2003 c 111 s 405; 1999 c 298 s 1; 1989 c 278 s 1; 1977 ex.s. c 128 s 2; 1965 c 9 s 29.04.050. Prior: 1921 c 178 s 1, part; 1915 c 11 s 1, part; 1907 c 130 s 1, part; 1889 p 402 s 7, part; Code 1881 s 3067, part; 1865 p 30 s 1, part; RRS s 5171, part. Formerly RCW 29.04.050.]
Notes:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 128: See note following RCW 29A.16.040.

catchline: Precincts—Restrictions on precinct boundaries—Designated by number.


title: RCW 29A.16.070

text:
If the boundaries of any city, township, or rural precinct are changed in the manner provided by law, the county auditor shall update the registration records of every registered voter whose place of residence is affected thereby. It shall not be necessary for any registered voter whose registration has been changed from one precinct to another, by a change of boundary, to apply to the county auditor for a transfer of registration. The county auditor shall mail a notice to each registered voter.
[ 2013 c 11 s 78; 2003 c 111 s 1903; 1971 ex.s. c 202 s 27; 1965 c 9 s 29.10.060. Prior: 1933 c 1 s 17; RRS s 5114-17. Formerly RCW 29A.76.030, 29.10.060.]


title: RCW 29A.24.010

text:
Not less than thirty days before the first day for filing declarations of candidacy under RCW 29A.24.050 for legislative, judicial, county, city, town, or district office, where more than one position with the same name, district number, or title will be voted upon at the succeeding election, the filing officer shall designate the positions to be filled by number.
The positions so designated shall be dealt with as separate offices for all election purposes. With the exception of the office of justice of the supreme court, the position numbers shall be assigned, whenever possible, to reflect the position numbers that were used to designate the same positions at the last full-term election for those offices.
[ 2003 c 111 s 601. Prior: 1990 c 59 s 79; 1965 c 52 s 1. Formerly RCW 29.15.130, 29.18.015.]

catchline: Officials to designate position numbers, when—Effect.


title: RCW 29A.24.020

text:
If at the same election there are short terms or full terms and unexpired terms of office to be filled, the filing officer shall distinguish them and designate the short term, the full term, and the unexpired term, as such, or by use of the words "short term," "unexpired two year term," or "four year term," as the case may be.
When both a short term and a full term for the same position are scheduled to be voted upon, or when a short term is created after the close of the filing period, a single declaration of candidacy accompanied by a single filing fee shall be construed as a filing for both the short term and the full term and the name of such candidate shall appear upon the ballot for the position sought with the designation "short term and full term." The candidate elected to both such terms shall be sworn into and assume office for the short term as soon as the election returns have been certified and shall again be sworn into office for the full term.
[ 2013 c 11 s 30; 2003 c 111 s 602. Prior: 1990 c 59 s 92; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 120 s 4; 1965 c 9 s 29.21.140; prior: (i) 1927 c 155 s 1, part; 1925 ex.s. c 68 s 1, part; 1921 c 116 s 1, part; 1919 c 85 s 1, part; 1911 c 101 s 1, part; 1909 c 82 s 11, part; 1907 c 209 s 38, part; RRS s 5212, part. (ii) 1933 c 85 s 1, part; RRS s 5213-1, part. Formerly RCW 29.15.140, 29.21.140.]
Notes:
Severability—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 120: See note following RCW 29A.52.210.
Term of person elected to fill vacancy: RCW 42.12.030.
Vacancies in public office, how filled: RCW 42.12.010.

catchline: Designation of short terms, full terms, and unexpired terms—Filing declarations—Election to both short and full terms.


title: RCW 29A.24.031

text:
A candidate who desires to have his or her name printed on the ballot for election to an office other than president of the United States, vice president of the United States, or an office for which ownership of property is a prerequisite to voting shall complete and file a declaration of candidacy. The secretary of state shall adopt, by rule, a declaration of candidacy form for the office of precinct committee officer and a separate standard form for candidates for all other offices filing under this chapter. Included on the standard form shall be:
(1) A place for the candidate to declare that he or she is a registered voter within the jurisdiction of the office for which he or she is filing, and the address at which he or she is registered;
(2) A place for the candidate to indicate the position for which he or she is filing;
(3) A place for the candidate to state a party preference, if the office is a partisan office;
(4) A place for the candidate to indicate the amount of the filing fee accompanying the declaration of candidacy or for the candidate to indicate that he or she is filing a filing fee petition in lieu of the filing fee under RCW 29A.24.091;
(5) A place for the candidate to sign the declaration of candidacy, stating that the information provided on the form is true and swearing or affirming that he or she will support the Constitution and laws of the United States and the Constitution and laws of the state of Washington.
In the case of a declaration of candidacy filed electronically, submission of the form constitutes agreement that the information provided with the filing is true, that he or she will support the Constitutions and laws of the United States and the state of Washington, and that he or she agrees to electronic payment of the filing fee established in RCW 29A.24.091.
The secretary of state may require any other information on the form he or she deems appropriate to facilitate the filing process.
[ 2013 c 11 s 31; 2004 c 271 s 158.]

catchline: Declaration of candidacy.


title: RCW 29A.24.040

text:
A candidate may file a declaration of candidacy for an office by electronic means on a system specifically designed and authorized by a filing officer to accept filings.
(1) Filings that are received electronically must capture all information specified in RCW 29A.24.031 (1) through (4).
(2) Electronic filing may begin at 8:00 a.m. the first day of the filing period and continue through 5:00 p.m. the last day of the filing period.
[ 2023 c 394 s 2; 2011 c 349 s 6; 2006 c 344 s 5; 2003 c 111 s 604. Prior: 2002 c 140 s 2. Formerly RCW 29.15.044.]
Notes:
Effective date—2011 c 349: See note following RCW 29A.04.255.
Effective date—2006 c 344 ss 1-16 and 18-40: See note following RCW 29A.04.311.
Implementation—2002 c 140: "The secretary of state may take the necessary steps to ensure that this act is implemented on its effective date." [ 2002 c 140 s 5.]
Captions not law—2002 c 140: "Section captions used in this act are not part of the law." [ 2002 c 140 s 6.]

catchline: Declaration of candidacy—Electronic filing.


title: RCW 29A.24.050

text:
Except where otherwise provided by this title, declarations of candidacy for the following offices shall be filed between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. with the filing officer beginning the first Monday in May and ending the following Friday in the year in which the office is scheduled to be voted upon:
(1) Offices that are scheduled to be voted upon for full terms or both full terms and short terms at, or in conjunction with, a state general election; and
(2) Offices where a vacancy, other than a short term, exists that has not been filled by election and for which an election to fill the vacancy is required in conjunction with the next state general election.
This section supersedes all other statutes that provide for a different filing period for these offices.
[ 2023 c 394 s 1; 2011 c 349 s 7; 2006 c 344 s 6; 2003 c 111 s 605. Prior: 1990 c 59 s 81; 1986 c 167 s 8; 1984 c 142 s 2. Formerly RCW 29.15.020, 29.18.025.]
Notes:
Effective date—2011 c 349: See note following RCW 29A.04.255.
Effective date—2006 c 344 ss 1-16 and 18-40: See note following RCW 29A.04.311.
Severability—1986 c 167: See note following RCW 29A.16.040.
Intent—1984 c 142: "It is the intention of the legislature that this act shall provide an equitable qualifying procedure for candidates who, at the time of filing, lack sufficient assets or income to pay the filing fees otherwise required of candidates for public office." [ 1984 c 142 s 1.]

catchline: Declaration of candidacy—Certain offices, when filed.


title: RCW 29A.24.060

text:
When filing for office, a candidate may indicate the manner in which he or she desires his or her name to be printed on the ballot. For filing purposes, a candidate may use a nickname by which he or she is commonly known as his or her first name, but the last name shall be the name under which he or she is registered to vote.
No candidate may:
(1) Use a nickname that denotes present or past occupation, including military rank;
(2) Use a nickname that denotes the candidate's position on issues or political affiliation;
(3) Use a nickname designed intentionally to mislead voters.
[ 2003 c 111 s 606; 1990 c 59 s 83. Formerly RCW 29.15.090.]

catchline: Candidates' names—Nicknames.


title: RCW 29A.24.070

text:
(1) Declarations of candidacy shall be filed with the following filing officers:
(a) The secretary of state for declarations of candidacy for statewide offices, United States senate, United States house of representatives, Washington state legislature, court of appeals, and superior court. The secretary of state shall establish contingency plans, consistent with this subsection, to support candidate filing for state legislative candidates who have not yet filed their declaration of candidacy in the case that a localized or system-wide internet outage or a disruption to the secretary of state's candidate filing website occurs during the two hours immediately preceding the filing deadline. The secretary of state shall immediately process all filings received pursuant to the contingency plan;
(b) The county auditor for all other offices. For any nonpartisan office, other than judicial offices and school director in joint districts, where voters from a district comprising more than one county vote upon the candidates, a declaration of candidacy shall be filed with the county auditor of the county in which a majority of the registered voters of the district reside. For school directors in joint school districts, the declaration of candidacy shall be filed with the county auditor of the county designated by the superintendent of public instruction as the county to which the joint school district is considered as belonging under RCW 28A.323.040.
(2) Each official with whom declarations of candidacy are filed under this section, within one business day following the closing of the applicable filing period, shall transmit to the public disclosure commission the information required in RCW 29A.24.031 (1) through (4) for each declaration of candidacy filed with the official's office during such filing period or a list containing the name of each candidate who files such a declaration with the official's office during such filing period together with a precise identification of the position sought by each such candidate and the date on which each such declaration was filed. Such official, within three days following the receipt of any letter withdrawing a person's name as a candidate, shall also forward a copy of such withdrawal letter to the public disclosure commission.
[ 2023 c 394 s 3; 2009 c 106 s 1; 2006 c 263 s 614; 2005 c 221 s 1; 2003 c 111 s 607; 2002 c 140 s 4; 1998 c 22 s 1; 1990 c 59 s 84; 1977 ex.s. c 361 s 30; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 112 s 1; 1965 c 9 s 29.18.040. Prior: 1907 c 209 s 7; RRS s 5184. Formerly RCW 29.15.030, 29.18.040.]
Notes:
Findings—Purpose—Part headings not law—2006 c 263: See notes following RCW 28A.150.230.
Implementation—Captions not law—2002 c 140: See notes following RCW 29A.24.040.
Effective date—Severability—1977 ex.s. c 361: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.
Construction—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 112: See note following RCW 29B.60.020.
Public disclosure—Campaign finances, lobbying, records: Title 29B RCW.

catchline: Declaration of candidacy—Where filed—Copy to public disclosure commission.


title: RCW 29A.24.072

text:
The secretary of state and each county auditor shall preserve all declarations of candidacy filed in their respective offices for six months. All declarations of candidacy must be open to public inspection.
[ 2003 c 111 s 501; 1965 c 9 s 29.27.090. Prior: 1921 c 178 s 1, part; 1915 c 11 s 1, part; 1907 c 130 s 1, part; 1889 p 402 s 7, part; Code 1881 s 3067, part; 1865 p 30 s 1, part; RRS s 5171, part. Formerly RCW 29A.20.010, 29.27.090.]

catchline: Preservation of declarations of candidacy.


title: RCW 29A.24.075

text:
(1) A person filing a declaration of candidacy for an office shall, at the time of filing, be a registered voter and possess the qualifications specified by law for persons who may be elected to the office.
(2) Excluding the office of precinct committee officer or a temporary elected position such as a charter review board member or freeholder, no person may file for more than one office.
(3) The name of a candidate for an office shall not appear on a ballot for that office unless, except for judge of the superior court and as provided in RCW 3.50.057, the candidate is, at the time the candidate's declaration of candidacy is filed, properly registered to vote in the geographic area represented by the office. For the purposes of this section, each geographic area in which registered voters may cast ballots for an office is represented by that office. If a person elected to an office must be nominated from a district or similar division of the geographic area represented by the office, the name of a candidate for the office shall not appear on a primary ballot for that office unless the candidate is, at the time the candidate's declaration of candidacy is filed, properly registered to vote in that district or division. The officer with whom declarations of candidacy must be filed under this title shall review each such declaration filed regarding compliance with this subsection.
(4) The requirements of voter registration and residence within the geographic area of a district do not apply to candidates for congressional office. Qualifications for the United States congress are specified in the United States Constitution.
[ 2013 c 11 s 25; 2004 c 271 s 153. Formerly RCW 29A.20.021.]

catchline: Qualifications for filing, appearance on ballot.


title: RCW 29A.24.081

text:
Any candidate may mail a declaration of candidacy for an office to the filing officer. Such declarations of candidacy shall be processed by the filing officer in the following manner:
(1) Any declaration received by the filing officer by mail before the tenth business day immediately preceding the first day for candidates to file for office shall be returned to the candidate submitting it, together with a notification that the declaration of candidacy was received too early to be processed. The candidate shall then be permitted to resubmit the candidate's declaration of candidacy during the filing period.
(2) Any properly executed declaration of candidacy received by mail on or after the tenth business day immediately preceding the first day for candidates to file for office and before 5:00 p.m. on the last day of the filing period shall be included with filings made in person during the filing period.
(3) Any declaration of candidacy received by the filing officer after 5:00 p.m. on the last day for candidates to file for office shall be rejected and returned to the candidate attempting to file it.
[ 2023 c 394 s 4; 2011 c 10 s 27; 2004 c 271 s 159.]
Notes:
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.

catchline: Declaration—Filing by mail.


title: RCW 29A.24.091

text:
(1) A filing fee of ten dollars shall accompany the declaration of candidacy for any office with a fixed annual salary of one thousand dollars or less. A filing fee equal to one percent of the annual salary of the office at the time of filing shall accompany the declaration of candidacy for any office with a fixed annual salary of more than one thousand dollars per annum. No filing fee need accompany a declaration of candidacy for precinct committee officer or any office for which compensation is on a per diem or per meeting attended basis, or any declaration of candidacy for a write-in candidate filed after the close of filing and more than eighteen days prior to a primary or election.
(2) A filing fee of twenty-five dollars shall accompany the declaration of candidacy for write-in candidates for any office with a fixed annual salary of one thousand dollars or less if filed eighteen days or less prior to a primary or election.
(3) A filing fee equal to one percent of the annual salary of the office at the time of filing shall accompany a declaration of candidacy for write-in candidates for any office with a fixed annual salary of more than one thousand dollars per annum if filed eighteen days or less prior to a primary or election.
(4) A candidate who lacks sufficient assets or income at the time of filing to pay the filing fee required by this section shall submit with the candidate's declaration of candidacy a filing fee petition. The petition shall contain not less than a number of signatures of registered voters equal to the number of dollars of the filing fee. The signatures shall be of voters registered to vote within the jurisdiction of the office for which the candidate is filing.
[ 2023 c 394 s 5; 2018 c 187 s 1; 2009 c 106 s 2; 2006 c 206 s 3; 2005 c 221 s 2; 2004 c 271 s 160.]

catchline: Declaration—Fees and petitions.


title: RCW 29A.24.095

text:
Fees paid when filing for office must be collected by the filing officer and distributed as follows:
(1) When the candidacy is for a statewide office, the United States senate, the United States house of representatives, or the state supreme court, the fee shall be retained by the secretary of state;
(2) When the candidacy is for a Washington state legislative, state court of appeals, or a superior court judicial office, the fees shall be distributed to the office of the county auditor or auditors whose counties comprise the district. When the district includes multiple counties, the distribution must be an equal division between the counties comprising the district;
(3) When the candidacy is for a city or town office, the county auditor shall transmit fees to the city or town clerk for deposit in the city or town treasury; and
(4) When the candidacy is for any other office, the fees shall be retained by the office of the filing officer.
[ 2023 c 394 s 6.]

catchline: Distribution of filing fees.


title: RCW 29A.24.101

text:
(1) The filing fee petition authorized by RCW 29A.24.091 must be printed on sheets of uniform color and size, must include a place for each individual to sign and print his or her name and the address, city, and county at which he or she is registered to vote, and must contain no more than twenty numbered lines.
(2) The filing fee petition must be in substantially the following form:
The warning prescribed by RCW 29A.72.140; followed by:
We, the undersigned registered voters of (the state of Washington or the political subdivision for which the nomination is made) , hereby petition that the name of (candidate's name) be printed on the official primary ballot for the office of (insert name of office) .
[ 2013 c 11 s 32; 2006 c 206 s 4; 2004 c 271 s 114.]

catchline: Filing fee petition—Form.


title: RCW 29A.24.111

text:
Filing fee petitions may be rejected for the following reasons:
(1) The petition is not in the proper form;
(2) The petition clearly bears insufficient signatures;
(3) The petition is not accompanied by a declaration of candidacy;
(4) The time within which the petition and the declaration of candidacy could have been filed has expired.
If the petition is accepted, the officer with whom it is filed shall canvass the signatures contained on it and shall reject the signatures of those persons who are not registered voters and the signatures of those persons who are not registered to vote within the jurisdiction of the office for which the filing fee petition is filed. He or she shall additionally reject any signature that appears on the filing fee petitions of two or more candidates for the same office and shall also reject, each time it appears, the name of any person who signs the same petition more than once.
If the officer with whom the petition is filed refuses to accept the petition or refuses to certify the petition as bearing sufficient valid signatures, the person filing the petition may appeal that action to the superior court. The application for judicial review shall take precedence over other cases and matters and shall be speedily heard and determined.
[ 2006 c 206 s 5; 2004 c 271 s 161.]

catchline: Petitions—Rejection—Acceptance, canvass of signatures—Judicial review.


title: RCW 29A.24.131

text:
A candidate may withdraw the candidate's declaration of candidacy at any time before 5:00 p.m. on the Monday following the last day for candidates to file under RCW 29A.24.050 by filing, with the officer with whom the declaration of candidacy was filed, a signed request that the candidate's name not be printed on the ballot. There shall be no withdrawal period for declarations of candidacy filed during special filing periods held under this title. No filing fee may be refunded to any candidate who withdraws under this section. Notice of the deadline for withdrawal of candidacy and that the filing fee is not refundable shall be given to each candidate at the time the candidate files.
[ 2023 c 394 s 7; 2011 c 349 s 8; 2004 c 271 s 115.]
Notes:
Effective date—2011 c 349: See note following RCW 29A.04.255.

catchline: Withdrawal of candidacy.


title: RCW 29A.24.141

text:
A void in candidacy occurs when an election has been scheduled and no valid declaration of candidacy has been filed for the position or all persons filing such valid declarations of candidacy have died or been disqualified.
[ 2011 c 349 s 9; 2004 c 271 s 162.]
Notes:
Effective date—2011 c 349: See note following RCW 29A.04.255.

catchline: Void in candidacy.


title: RCW 29A.24.171

text:
(1) If, prior to the first day of the regular filing period, a vacancy occurs in an office that is not scheduled to appear on the general election ballot, leaving an unexpired term for which a successor must be elected at the next general election, filings for that office shall be accepted during the regular filing period. The filing officer shall provide notice of the vacancy and filing period to newspapers, radio, and television in the county, and online. The position shall appear on the primary and general election ballots unless no primary is required or unless a candidate for superior court judge is entitled to a certificate of election pursuant to Article 4 [IV], section 29 of the state Constitution.
(2) If, on the first day of the regular filing period or later, a vacancy occurs in an office that is not scheduled to appear on the general election ballot, leaving an unexpired term, the election of the successor shall occur at the next succeeding general election that the office is allowed by law to have an election.
[ 2011 c 349 s 10; 2006 c 344 s 7; 2004 c 271 s 165.]
Notes:
Effective date—2011 c 349 ss 10-12, 27, 28, and 30: "Sections 10 through 12, 27, 28, and 30 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect immediately [May 16, 2011]." [ 2011 c 349 s 34.]
Effective date—2006 c 344 ss 1-16 and 18-40: See note following RCW 29A.04.311.

catchline: Vacancies in office.


title: RCW 29A.24.181

text:
(1) If a void in candidacy occurs following the regular filing period and deadline to withdraw, but prior to the day of the primary, filings for that office shall be reopened for a period of three normal business days, such three-day period to be fixed by the filing officer. The filing officer shall provide notice of the special filing period to newspapers, radio, and television in the county, and online. The candidate receiving a plurality of the votes cast for that office in the general election is deemed elected.
(2) This section does not apply to voids in candidacy in the office of precinct committee officer, which are filled by appointment pursuant to *RCW 29A.28.071.
[ 2011 c 349 s 11; 2006 c 344 s 8; 2004 c 271 s 166.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 29A.28.071 was recodified as RCW 29A.80.031 pursuant to 2013 c 11 s 93.
Effective date—2011 c 349 ss 10-12, 27, 28, and 30: See note following RCW 29A.24.171.
Effective date—2006 c 344 ss 1-16 and 18-40: See note following RCW 29A.04.311.

catchline: Regular filing period—Voids in candidacy.


title: RCW 29A.24.191

text:
A scheduled election shall be lapsed, the office deemed stricken from the ballot, no purported write-in votes counted, and no candidate certified as elected, when a void in candidacy occurs following the special three-day filing period required by RCW 29A.24.181.
[ 2011 c 349 s 12; 2006 c 344 s 9; 2004 c 271 s 167.]
Notes:
Effective date—2011 c 349 ss 10-12, 27, 28, and 30: See note following RCW 29A.24.171.
Effective date—2006 c 344 ss 1-16 and 18-40: See note following RCW 29A.04.311.

catchline: Scheduled election lapses, when.


title: RCW 29A.24.201

text:
If after both the normal filing period and special three-day filing period as provided by RCW 29A.24.171 and 29A.24.181 have passed, no candidate has filed for any single city, town, or district position to be filled, the election for such position shall be deemed lapsed, the office deemed stricken from the ballot and no write-in votes counted. In such instance, the incumbent occupying such position shall remain in office and continue to serve until a successor is elected at the next election when such positions are voted upon.
[ 2004 c 271 s 190.]

catchline: Lapse of election when no filing for single positions—Effect.


title: RCW 29A.24.220

text:
A void in candidacy in a water-sewer district with fewer than one hundred residents may be filled in accordance with RCW 57.12.035.
[ 2007 c 383 s 2.]

catchline: Void in candidacy for water-sewer districts—Fewer than one hundred residents.


title: RCW 29A.24.311

text:
(1) Any person who desires to be a write-in candidate shall file a declaration of candidacy with the officer designated in RCW 29A.24.070 not later than 8:00 p.m. on the day of the primary or election. A write-in declaration of candidacy is timely if filed by this deadline. No votes shall be counted for a write-in candidate who has not properly filed a write-in declaration of candidacy.
(2) Votes cast for write-in candidates who have filed such declarations of candidacy need only specify the name of the candidate in the appropriate location on the ballot in order to be counted.
(3) No person may file as a write-in candidate where:
(a) At a general election, the person attempting to file either filed as a write-in candidate for the same office at the preceding primary or the person's name was printed on the ballot for the same office at the preceding primary;
(b) The person attempting to file as a write-in candidate has already filed a valid write-in declaration for that primary or election;
(c) The name of the person attempting to file is already printed on the ballot as a candidate for another office, unless the other office is precinct committee officer or a temporary elected position, such as charter review board member or freeholder;
(d) The office filed for is precinct committee officer.
(4) The declaration of candidacy shall be similar to that required by RCW 29A.24.031. No write-in candidate filing under this section may be included in any voters' pamphlet produced under chapter 29A.32 RCW unless that candidate qualifies to have his or her name printed on the general election ballot. The legislative authority of any jurisdiction producing a local voters' pamphlet under chapter 29A.32 RCW may provide, by ordinance, for the inclusion of write-in candidates in such pamphlets.
[ 2018 c 187 s 2; 2013 c 11 s 91; 2012 c 89 s 2; 2011 c 349 s 13; 2004 c 271 s 117.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2012 c 89: "The United States district court, western district of Washington, ruled that Washington's method of electing political party precinct committee officers is unconstitutional based on the associational rights of political parties. The court stated that Washington may decide to implement elections for precinct committee officer in a manner not yet conceived but ultimately satisfactory to the political parties. Washington may even implement these elections in a way that severely burdens the political parties' associational rights but does so in a manner narrowly tailored to serve a compelling governmental interest. The major political parties stated in court that they might be satisfied of party membership if a voter affirms affiliation with the particular party. Toward this end, the legislature has worked closely with the major political parties to develop a system of electing precinct committee officers that the parties support, that will protect the secrecy of the ballot, and will not increase burdens placed on local election officials. Therefore, it is the intent of the legislature to remedy the unconstitutional method of selecting precinct committee officers by implementing a provision requiring voters to affirm an affiliation with the appropriate party in order to vote in a race for precinct committee officer in that party. The legislature finds that the office of precinct committee officer itself is both a constitutionally recognized and authorized office with certain duties outlined in state law and the state Constitution." [ 2012 c 89 s 1.]
Effective date—2012 c 89: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 29, 2012]." [ 2012 c 89 s 7.]
Effective date—2011 c 349: See note following RCW 29A.04.255.


title: RCW 29A.24.320

text:
The secretary of state shall notify each county auditor of any declarations filed with the secretary under RCW 29A.24.311 for offices appearing on the ballot in that county. The county auditor shall ensure that those persons charged with counting the ballots for a primary or election are notified of all valid write-in candidates before the tabulation of those ballots.
[ 2013 c 11 s 33; 2003 c 111 s 623. Prior: 1988 c 181 s 2. Formerly RCW 29.04.190.]

catchline: Write-in candidates—Notice to auditors, ballot counters.


title: RCW 29A.28.030

text:
When a vacancy occurs in the representation of this state in the senate of the United States, the governor shall make a temporary appointment to that office until the people fill the vacancy by election as provided in this chapter.
[ 2003 c 111 s 703. Prior: 1985 c 45 s 3; 1965 c 9 s 29.68.070; prior: 1921 c 33 s 1; RRS s 3798. Formerly RCW 29.68.070.]
Notes:
Legislative intent—1985 c 45: See note following RCW 29A.04.420.
Special procedures for primary for United States senate vacancy in 1983: Chapter 1, Laws of 1983 3rd ex. sess. (uncodified).
Vacancies in public office, how caused: RCW 42.12.010.

catchline: United States senate.


title: RCW 29A.28.041

text:
(1) Whenever a vacancy occurs in the United States house of representatives or the United States senate from this state, the governor shall order a special election to fill the vacancy.
(2) Within ten days of such vacancy occurring, he or she shall issue a writ of election fixing a date for the primary at least seventy days after issuance of the writ, and fixing a date for the election at least seventy days after the date of the primary. If the vacancy is in the office of United States representative, the writ of election shall specify the congressional district that is vacant.
(3) If the vacancy occurs less than eight months before a general election and before the close of the filing period for that general election, the special primary and special vacancy election must be held in concert with the state primary and general election in that year.
(4) If the vacancy occurs on or after the first day for filing under RCW 29A.24.050 and on or before the close of the filing period, a special filing period of three normal business days shall be fixed and notice thereof given to all media, including press, radio, and television within the area in which the vacancy election is to be held, to the end that, insofar as possible, all interested persons will be aware of such filing period.
(5) If the vacancy occurs later than the close of the filing period, a special primary and vacancy election to fill the position shall be held after the next general election but, in any event, no later than the ninetieth day following the general election.
[ 2013 c 11 s 34; 2011 c 349 s 14; 2006 c 344 s 12; 2004 c 271 s 118.]
Notes:
Effective date—2011 c 349: See note following RCW 29A.04.255.
Effective date—2006 c 344 ss 1-16 and 18-40: See note following RCW 29A.04.311.

catchline: Congress—Special election.


title: RCW 29A.28.050

text:
After calling a special primary and special vacancy election to fill a vacancy in the United States house of representatives or the United States senate from this state, the governor shall immediately notify the secretary of state who shall, in turn, immediately notify the county auditor of each county wholly or partly within which the vacancy exists.
Each county auditor shall publish notices of the special primary and the special vacancy election at least once in any legal newspaper published in the county, as provided by RCW 29A.52.355.
[ 2013 c 11 s 35; 2003 c 111 s 705; 1985 c 45 s 5; 1973 2nd ex.s. c 36 s 5; 1965 c 9 s 29.68.100. Prior: 1909 ex.s. c 25 s 2, part; RRS s 3800, part. Formerly RCW 29.68.100.]
Notes:
Legislative intent—1985 c 45: See note following RCW 29A.04.420.

catchline: Congress—Notices of special primary and election.


title: RCW 29A.28.061

text:
The general election laws and laws relating to partisan primaries shall apply to the special primaries and vacancy elections provided for in chapter 29A.28 RCW to the extent that they are not inconsistent with the provisions of these sections. Statutory time deadlines relating to availability of ballots, certification, canvassing, and related procedures that cannot be met in a timely fashion may be modified for the purposes of a specific primary or vacancy election under this chapter by the secretary of state through emergency rules adopted under RCW 29A.04.611.
[ 2013 c 11 s 36; 2011 c 10 s 28; 2004 c 271 s 119.]
Notes:
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.

catchline: Congress—General, primary election laws to apply—Time deadlines, modifications.


title: RCW 29A.32.010

text:
The secretary of state shall, whenever at least one statewide measure or office is scheduled to appear on the general election ballot, print and distribute a voters' pamphlet.
The secretary of state shall distribute the voters' pamphlet to each household in the state, to public libraries, and to any other locations the secretary deems appropriate. The secretary of state shall also produce recorded or Braille transcripts of the voters' pamphlet, publicize their availability, and mail without charge a copy to any person who requests one.
The secretary of state may make the material required to be distributed by this chapter available to the public in electronic form. The secretary of state may provide the material in electronic form to web-based, print, and broadcast news media and similar services at the cost of reproduction or transmission of the data.
[ 2024 c 78 s 1; 2003 c 111 s 801. Prior: 1999 c 260 s 1. Formerly RCW 29.81.210.]
Notes:
Effective date—2024 c 78: "This act takes effect January 1, 2025." [ 2024 c 78 s 13.]

catchline: Printing and distribution.


title: RCW 29A.32.020

text:
No person or entity may publish or distribute any campaign material that is deceptively similar in design or appearance to a voters' pamphlet that was published by the secretary of state during the 10-year period before the publication or distribution of the campaign material by the person or entity. The secretary of state shall take reasonable measures to prevent or to stop violations of this section. Such measures may include, among others, petitioning the superior court for a temporary restraining order or other appropriate injunctive relief. In addition, the secretary may request the superior court to impose a civil fine on a violator of this section. The court is authorized to levy on and recover from each violator a civil fine not to exceed the greater of: (1) $5 for each copy of the deceptive material distributed, or (2) $10,000. In addition, the violator is liable for the state's legal expenses and other costs resulting from the violation. Any funds recovered under this section must be transmitted to the state treasurer for deposit in the general fund.
[ 2024 c 78 s 2; 2003 c 111 s 802; 1984 c 41 s 1. Formerly RCW 29.04.035.]
Notes:
Effective date—2024 c 78: See note following RCW 29A.32.010.

catchline: Prohibition against deceptively similar campaign materials.


title: RCW 29A.32.031

text:
The voters' pamphlet published or distributed under RCW 29A.32.010 must contain:
(1) Information about each ballot measure initiated by or referred to the voters for their approval or rejection as required by RCW 29A.32.070;
(2) In even-numbered years, statements, if submitted, from candidates for the office of president and vice president of the United States, United States senator, United States representative, governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, state auditor, attorney general, commissioner of public lands, superintendent of public instruction, insurance commissioner, state senator, state representative, justice of the supreme court, judge of the court of appeals, or judge of the superior court. Candidates may also submit campaign contact information and a photograph not more than five years old in a format that the secretary of state determines to be suitable for reproduction in the voters' pamphlet;
(3) In odd-numbered years, statements, if submitted, from candidates for any office listed in subsection (2) of this section that appears on the ballot due to a vacancy. Candidates may also submit campaign contact information and a photograph not more than five years old in a format that the secretary of state determines to be suitable for reproduction in the voters' pamphlet;
(4) Contact information for the public disclosure commission established under RCW 29B.20.010, including the following statement: "For a list of the people and organizations that donated to state and local candidates and ballot measure campaigns, visit www.pdc.wa.gov." The statement must be placed in a prominent position, such as the first two pages of the voters' pamphlet. The secretary of state may substitute such language as is necessary for accuracy and clarity and consistent with the intent of this section;
(5) Contact information for major political parties;
(6) A brief statement explaining the deletion and addition of language for proposed measures under RCW 29A.32.080;
(7) A list of all student engagement hubs as designated under RCW 29A.40.180;
(8) A page providing information about how to access the internet presentation of the information created in RCW 44.48.160 about the state budgets, including a uniform resource locator, a quick response code, and a phone number for the legislative information center. The uniform resource locator and quick response codes will lead the voter to the internet information required in RCW 44.48.160; and
(9) Any additional information pertaining to elections as may be required by law or in the judgment of the secretary of state is deemed informative to the voters.
[ 2024 c 164 s 507; 2024 c 78 s 3; 2023 c 109 s 8; 2020 c 208 s 11; 2013 c 283 s 2; (2018 c 112 s 5 expired January 1, 2019); 2011 c 60 s 13; 2009 c 415 s 2; 2008 c 1 s 12 (Initiative Measure No. 960, approved November 6, 2007); 2004 c 271 s 121.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2024 c 78 s 3 and by 2024 c 164 s 507, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Intent—Construction—Rules remain valid—Effective date—2024 c 164: See notes following RCW 29B.10.010.
Effective date—2024 c 78: See note following RCW 29A.32.010.
Findings—2023 c 109: See note following RCW 29A.32.070.
Short title—Findings—2020 c 208: See notes following RCW 29A.08.210.
Expiration date—2018 c 112 s 5: "Section 5 of this act expires January 1, 2019." [ 2018 c 112 s 7.]
Findings—Intent—2013 c 283: "(1) The legislature finds that the voters of the state of Washington have overwhelmingly affirmed the public's right to know about the financing of political activity. Recognizing that Initiative 276, which created the public disclosure commission and serves as the foundation of Washington's disclosure and campaign finance laws, was approved with over seventy-two percent of voters in support, the legislature also finds that maintaining the tradition of transparency in campaigns and political activities in the state of Washington is a top priority for citizens throughout Washington state.
(2) Therefore, it is the intent of the legislature to increase transparency and ensure that voters be provided easy access to accurate information about the sources of money supporting or opposing candidates and ballot measures by printing the public disclosure commission's website on voters' pamphlets and ballots for each primary and general election." [ 2013 c 283 s 1.]
Effective date—2011 c 60: See note following RCW 29B.20.030.
Findings—Intent—Construction—Severability—Subheadings and part headings not law—Short title—Effective date—2008 c 1 (Initiative Measure No. 960): See notes following RCW 43.135.031.

catchline: Contents.


title: RCW 29A.32.032

text:
The voters' pamphlet must also contain the political party preference or independent status where a candidate appearing on the ballot has expressed such a preference on his or her declaration of candidacy.
[ 2005 c 2 s 11 (Initiative Measure No. 872, approved November 2, 2004).]
Notes:
Short title—Intent—Contingent effective date—2005 c 2 (Initiative Measure No. 872): See notes following RCW 29A.52.112.

catchline: Party preference.


title: RCW 29A.32.040

text:
(1) Explanatory statements prepared by the attorney general under RCW 29A.32.070 (3) and (4) must be written in clear and concise language, avoiding legal and technical terms when possible. Statements are initiated by written request from the secretary of state, and must be filed with the secretary of state by the date provided in the request.
(2) When the explanatory statements for a measure initiated by petition are filed with the secretary of state, the secretary of state shall immediately provide the text of the statements to the person proposing the measure and any others who have made written request for notification of the exact language of the statements. When the statements for a measure referred to the ballot by the legislature are filed with the secretary of state, the secretary of state shall immediately provide the text of the statements to the presiding officer of the senate, the presiding officer of the house of representatives, the prime sponsor, and any others who have made written request for notification of the exact language of the statements.
(3) A person dissatisfied with the statements may appeal to the superior court of Thurston county within five days of the filing date. A copy of the petition and a notice of the appeal must be served on the secretary of state and the attorney general. The court shall examine the measure, the statements, and objections, and may hear arguments. The court shall render its decision and certify to and file with the secretary of state a statement it determines will meet the requirements of this chapter, and within the timelines identified by the secretary of state.
The decision of the superior court is final, and its statement is the established explanatory statement. The appeal must be heard without costs to either party.
[ 2015 c 171 s 1; 2009 c 415 s 3; 2003 c 111 s 804. Prior: 1999 c 260 s 3. Formerly RCW 29.81.230.]

catchline: Explanatory statements.


title: RCW 29A.32.060

text:
Committees shall write and submit arguments advocating the approval or rejection of each statewide ballot issue and rebuttals of those arguments. The secretary of state, the presiding officer of the senate, and the presiding officer of the house of representatives shall appoint the initial two members of each committee. In making these committee appointments the secretary of state and presiding officers of the senate and house of representatives shall consider legislators, sponsors of initiatives and referendums, and other interested groups known to advocate or oppose the ballot measure. Committees must have the explanatory and fiscal impact statements available before preparing their arguments.
The initial two members may select up to four additional members, and the committee shall elect a chairperson. The remaining committee member or members may fill vacancies through appointment.
After the committee submits its initial argument statements to the secretary of state, the secretary of state shall transmit the statements to the opposite committee. The opposite committee may then prepare rebuttal arguments. Rebuttals may not interject new points.
The voters' pamphlet may contain only text argument statements prepared according to this section. Graphs, charts, photographs, cartoons, or caricatures are not permitted.
[ 2024 c 78 s 4; 2015 c 171 s 2; 2003 c 111 s 806. Prior: 1999 c 260 s 4. Formerly RCW 29.81.240.]
Notes:
Effective date—2024 c 78: See note following RCW 29A.32.010.

catchline: Arguments.


title: RCW 29A.32.070

text:
The secretary of state shall determine the format and layout of the voters' pamphlet published under RCW 29A.32.010. The secretary of state shall print the pamphlet in clear, readable type on a size, quality, and weight of paper that in the judgment of the secretary of state best serves the voters. The pamphlet must contain a table of contents. Measures and arguments must be printed in the order specified by RCW 29A.72.290.
The secretary of state's name may not appear in the voters' pamphlet in an official capacity if the secretary is a candidate for office during the same year. The secretary's name may only be included as part of the information normally included for candidates.
The voters' pamphlet must provide the following information for each statewide issue on the ballot:
(1) The legal identification of the measure by serial designation or number;
(2) The official ballot title of the measure;
(3) A statement prepared by the attorney general explaining the law as it presently exists;
(4) A statement prepared by the attorney general explaining the effect of the proposed measure if it becomes law;
(5) The fiscal impact statement prepared under RCW 29A.72.025;
(6) The total number of votes cast for and against the measure in the senate and house of representatives, if the measure has been passed by the legislature;
(7) An argument advocating the voters' approval of the measure together with any statement in rebuttal of the opposing argument;
(8) An argument advocating the voters' rejection of the measure together with any statement in rebuttal of the opposing argument;
(9) Each argument or rebuttal statement must be followed by the names of the committee members who submitted them, and may be followed by a telephone number that citizens may call to obtain information on the ballot measure;
(10) The full text of the measure.
[ 2024 c 78 s 5; 2023 c 109 s 2; 2016 c 83 s 1; 2009 c 415 s 5. Prior: 2008 c 1 s 13 (Initiative Measure No. 960, approved November 6, 2007); 2003 c 111 s 807; prior: 2002 c 139 s 2; 1999 c 260 s 5. Formerly RCW 29.81.250.]
Notes:
Effective date—2024 c 78: See note following RCW 29A.32.010.
Findings—2023 c 109: "The legislature finds that making the act of casting a ballot as simple as possible will help promote the free and equal elections guaranteed by Article I, section 19 and Article VI, section 1 of the Washington state Constitution. The legislature recognizes that transparency and fiscal responsibility are important to the people of Washington, and that election administration and ballot design should reflect these long-held values. The legislature further finds that the people rightfully expect items on their ballots to be neutrally and accurately worded. Finally, the legislature finds for the votes that Washingtonians cast to have meaning, the ballot must be limited to candidate elections that give the people the power to choose their representatives or ballot measures that determine what laws and plan of government the state and its localities shall have." [ 2023 c 109 s 1.]
Findings—Intent—Construction—Severability—Subheadings and part headings not law—Short title—Effective date—2008 c 1 (Initiative Measure No. 960): See notes following RCW 43.135.031.

catchline: Format, layout, contents.


title: RCW 29A.32.080

text:
Statewide ballot measures that amend existing law must be printed in the voters' pamphlet so that language proposed for deletion is enclosed by double parentheses and has a line through it. Proposed new language must be underlined. A statement explaining the deletion and addition of language must appear as follows: "Any language in double parentheses with a line through it is existing state law and will be taken out of the law if this measure is approved by voters. Any underlined language does not appear in current state law but will be added to the law if this measure is approved by voters."
[ 2003 c 111 s 808. Prior: 1999 c 260 s 6. Formerly RCW 29.81.260.]

catchline: Amendatory style.