Four questions to evaluate yourself:
Question #1: Are you able?
Question #2: Do you fear God?
Question #3: Are you truthful?
Question #4: Do you hate dishonest gain?
STATE AND LOCAL DETAILS
Detailed Checklist for Filing and Running for Office in Washington State
Eligibility and Preparation
- Confirm you meet the minimum qualifications:
- Update your voter registration information:
- Research the office you wish to run for:
Filing for Office
- Mark the official Candidate Filing Week on your calendar:
- Choose your filing method:
- Complete the Declaration of Candidacy:
- Pay the filing fee:
- Submit your filing by the deadline:
After Filing
- Withdraw, if desired:
- Register with the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC):
- Prepare your candidate statement and photo for the voters’ pamphlet:
Campaigning and Compliance
- Follow all campaign finance and disclosure laws:
- Political advertising compliance:
- Monitor deadlines and requests from election officials:
Special Considerations
- Offices with unique requirements:
- Write-in candidate procedures:
Summary Table: Key Steps
Step | Action/Requirement | Deadline/Notes | Link |
Verify eligibility | Citizenship, age, residency, voter registration | Before filing | |
Choose office | Review open positions and requirements | Before filing | |
File declaration | Online, in person, by mail, email, or fax (where allowed) | May 5–9, 2025 (by 5 p.m.) | |
Pay filing fee/petition | Online, in person, or by petition | With declaration | |
Register with PDC | File campaign finance paperwork | Within 2 weeks of campaign start | |
Submit voter pamphlet info | Candidate statement and photo | Typically within 1–2 weeks of filing | |
Withdraw (if needed) | Submit withdrawal form | By 5 p.m. May 12, 2025 |
For more details, always check the Washington Secretary of State Elections Division and your local county elections office.
Build a Team
Candidate
The central figure of the campaign who sets the vision, tone, and key messages. Engages directly with voters through public appearances, speeches, and debates, embodying the campaign’s values and goals.
PDC Compliance Director
The PDC (Public Disclosure Commission) Compliance Officer on a campaign team is responsible for ensuring that all campaign finance activities strictly adhere to Washington State’s campaign finance and disclosure laws as regulated by the PDC. This position is crucial for maintaining transparency, legal compliance, and public trust throughout the campaign
Campaign Manager
Oversees the entire campaign, managing daily operations, strategy, and staff. Coordinates between departments, manages the budget, sets goals, and ensures deadlines are met. Acts as the primary liaison between the candidate and the team.
Communications Director
Shapes and manages the campaign’s public image and messaging. Handles media relations, writes press releases, speeches, and op-eds, and ensures consistent messaging across all platforms. Manages crisis communications as needed
Field Director
Leads grassroots efforts and voter outreach. Organizes canvassing, phone banking, and events. Recruits and trains volunteers, develops field strategies, and ensures effective voter engagement.
Finance Director
Manages fundraising and the campaign’s finances. Develops fundraising strategies, organizes events, maintains donor relationships, oversees compliance with finance laws, and manages the campaign budget.
Volunteer Coordinator
Recruits, organizes, trains, and supervises volunteers. Assigns roles based on skills, keeps volunteers motivated, and ensures they are effective in supporting campaign activities such as canvassing and events.
Digital Director
Oversees all digital campaign efforts, including website management, social media, email marketing, and digital advertising. Develops and implements online engagement strategies, tracks digital metrics, and adjusts tactics as needed.
Press Secretary (often part of the communications team)
Acts as the spokesperson to the media, arranges interviews, fields press inquiries, and helps manage the candidate’s public image.
Field Staff / Organizers
Work under the field director to implement grassroots strategies, including canvassing, phone banking, and event organizing. Serve as the frontline team bringing the campaign’s message directly to voters.
DISCLAIMER
This website should not be considered legal advice or a substitute for professional legal services. It is intended as a self-help guide to assist you through the process. Please note that government procedures may change, so it is your responsibility to review each step carefully and ensure that you remain in compliance.
