Candidate Filing Week 2024 begins May 6

OLYMPIA — Interested in running for public office in Washington? The opportunity to formally declare candidacy for the 2024 elections opens online on May 6 at 8 a.m. and at elections offices across the state.   

This year, candidate filing week is a week earlier than in previous years.

Mailed declarations are being accepted now and must be received with payment by 5 p.m. on May 10, when filing week ends.

During the May 6-10 filing period, candidacies can be declared for more than 400 federal, state, judicial, legislative, county, and other offices scheduled for 2024 elections. All statewide Executive offices, all Congressional seats, a U.S. Senate position, and the majority of state Legislature seats will be on the ballot. 

In Chelan County, there are a number of seats that will be on the ballot.

The U.S. Representative Congressional District 8 seat, currently held by Kim Schrier, will be up for a vote. Also on the ballot will be the State Representative Pos. one Legislative District seven-seat, currently held by Jacquelin Maycumber.

Chelan Superior Court Judge positions one, two, and three, and Chelan County District Judge position two are up for a vote.

The Legislative District Seven State Representative Pos. two, currently held by Joel Kretz, will also be on the ballot.

State Senator Legislative District 12 is up for reelection. Brad Hawkins currently serves in this role but will not seek reelection.

Also, in District 12, two State Senator positions, held by Keith Goehner and Mike Steele, are up for a vote. Keith Gohner has announced he will run for the LD12 Satte Senate position.

Other positions on the ballot include County Commissioner in Districts one and three.

Also up for a vote are Public Utility District Commissioner Two and Public Utility District Commissioner A.

For the first time this year, candidates for Superior Court and all legislative districts must file with the Office of the Secretary of State. This can be done via the office’s website, by mail, or in person.

The Office of the Secretary of State’s Elections website provides full information on state offices and filing fees. Applicants are encouraged to file online if possible.

“Filing for candidacy online is the easiest option, and you can do it from the convenience of home,” Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said. “This year, the candidate filing period is a week earlier than in prior years, so we’re providing notice to the public early to ensure everyone interested in running can get prepared.”

Applicants who do not wish to file online can print a Declaration of Candidacy form and mail it along with a check payable to the Office of the Secretary of State, P.O. Box 40229, Olympia, WA, 98504-0229. 

State candidates may also file in person at the Secretary of State’s office in the Legislative Building, 416 Sid Snyder Ave. SW in Olympia.

All candidates for federal, statewide, legislative, Court of Appeals, and Superior Court positions must file with the Office of the Secretary of State online, in person, or by mail. For filing information and state Voters' Pamphlets guidelines, see the State Candidate Guide. For a complete list of FAQs and deadlines, visit the Candidate Filing FAQ page.

For filing questions, contact the Elections office at (800) 448-4881 or elections@sos.wa.gov.

“Serving as an elected official is an opportunity to help your community,” Secretary Hobbs said. “Holding office enables you to be involved with crucial decisions, whether at the local, state, or federal level.”

Washington’s Office of the Secretary of State oversees various aspects of state government, including managing state elections, registering corporations and charities, and governing the use of the state flag and seal. 

The office also operates the State Archives and the State Library, documents extraordinary stories in Washington’s history through Legacy Washington, and administers the Combined Fund Drive for charitable giving by state employees and the Productivity Board state employee suggestion program to provide incentives for efficiency improvements. 

The Secretary of State also oversees the state’s Address Confidentiality Program to help protect survivors of crime.