What are the rules regarding write-in candidates?
In Washington State, write-in candidates are allowed in any office, but they must go through a few steps in order to be valid. First, they must register with the proper government office. In Washington, the secretary of state’s office is responsible for overseeing elections, so that’s the office would-be write-in candidates need to contact. They must also submit an election calendar, a statement of candidacy, and a declaration of candidacy, all of which must be filed at least 7 days before the election. Write-in candidates are also responsible for notifying the public of their candidacy. This includes things like producing and distributing printed or digital materials, advertising, and even attending events in order to get their name out there. In addition, write-in candidates must also ensure that their name is printed properly on the ballot. This requires proofreading the ballots for spelling errors or other issues. Finally, write-in candidates must also abide by the rules regarding the use of political funds, which is managed by the Public Disclosure Commission. This means that they must report any political contributions, expenditures, and other information related to their campaign. Write-in candidates in Washington can certainly make a difference in an election and they are a viable option. However, they must meet all of the rules in order to be considered valid and eligible, which can be a complicated process.
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