RCW 29A.56.088 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 56 / Section 088
RCW 29A.56.088: Meeting of electors—Presiding officer—Elector vacancy.
Status: in_force

(1) The secretary of state shall preside at the meeting of electors described in RCW 29A.56.090 . (2) The position of an elector not present to vote is vacant. The secretary of state shall appoint an individual as a substitute elector to fill a vacancy as follows: (a) If the alternate elector is present to vote, by appointing the alternate elector for the vacant position; (b) If the alternate elector for the vacant position is not present to vote, by appointing an elector chosen by lot from among the alternate electors present to vote who were nominated by the same political party or unaffiliated presidential candidate; (c) If the number of alternate electors present to vote is insufficient to fill any vacant position pursuant to (a) and (b) of this subsection, by appointing any immediately available individual who is qualified to serve as an elector and chosen through nomination by and plurality vote of the remaining electors, including nomination and vote by a single elector if only one remains; (d) If there is a tie between at least two nominees for substitute elector in a vote conducted under (c) of this subsection, by appointing an elector chosen by lot from among those nominees; or (e) If all elector positions are vacant and cannot be filled pursuant to (a) through (d) of this subsection, by appointing a single presidential elector, with remaining vacant positions to be filled under (c) of this subsection and, if necessary, (d) of this subsection. (3) To qualify as a substitute elector under subsection (2) of this section, an individual who has not executed the pledge required under RCW 29A.56.084 shall execute the following pledge: "I agree to serve and to mark my ballots for president and vice president consistent with the pledge of the individual to whose elector position I have succeeded."
RCW 29A.72.240 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 72 / Section 240
RCW 29A.72.240: Count of signatures—Review.
Status: in_force

Any citizen dissatisfied with the determination of the secretary of state that an initiative or referendum petition contains or does not contain the requisite number of signatures of legal voters may, within five days after such determination, apply to the superior court of Thurston county for a citation requiring the secretary of state to submit the petition to said court for examination, and for a writ of mandate compelling the certification of the measure and petition, or for an injunction to prevent the certification thereof to the legislature, as the case may be. Such application and all proceedings had thereunder shall take precedence over other cases and shall be speedily heard and determined. The decision of the superior court granting or refusing to grant the writ of mandate or injunction may be reviewed by the supreme court within five days after the decision of the superior court, and if the supreme court decides that a writ of mandate or injunction, as the case may be, should issue, it shall issue the writ directed to the secretary of state; otherwise, it shall dismiss the proceedings. The clerk of the supreme court shall forthwith notify the secretary of state of the decision of the supreme court.
RCW 29A.84.230 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 84 / Section 230
RCW 29A.84.230: Violations by signers—Initiative, referendum petitions—Penalty.
Status: in_force

(1) Every person who signs an initiative or referendum petition with any other than his or her true name is guilty of a class C felony punishable under RCW 9A.20.021 . (2) Every person who knowingly signs more than one petition for the same initiative or referendum measure or who signs an initiative or referendum petition knowing that he or she is not a legal voter or who makes a false statement as to his or her residence on any initiative or referendum petition, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
RCW 29A.60.095 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 60 / Section 095
RCW 29A.60.095: Electronic voting devices—Record maintenance.
Status: in_force

(1) The electronic record produced and counted by electronic voting devices is the official record of each vote for election purposes. The paper record produced under RCW 29A.12.085 must be stored and maintained for use only in the following circumstances: (a) In the event of a manual recount; (b) By order of the county canvassing board; (c) By order of a court of competent jurisdiction; or (d) For use in the random audit of results described in RCW 29A.60.185 . (2) When such paper record is used in any of the circumstances listed in subsection (1) of this section, it shall be the official record of the election.
RCW 29B.15.020 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 15 / Section 020
RCW 29B.15.020: Access to reports—Legislative intent.
Status: in_force

It is the intent of the legislature to ensure that the commission provide the general public timely access to all contribution and expenditure reports submitted by candidates, continuing political committees, bona fide political parties, lobbyists, and lobbyists' employers. The legislature finds that failure to meet goals for full and timely disclosure threatens to undermine our electoral process. Furthermore, the legislature intends for the commission to consult with Washington technology solutions as it seeks to implement chapter 401, Laws of 1999, and that the commission follow the standards and procedures established by Washington technology solutions in chapter 43.105 RCW as they relate to information technology.
RCW 29A.32.280 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 32 / Section 280
RCW 29A.32.280: Arguments advocating approval or disapproval—Preparation by committees.
Status: in_force

(1) For each measure from a unit of local government included in a local voters' pamphlet, the legislative authority of that jurisdiction shall, not later than the resolution deadline, formally appoint a committee to prepare arguments advocating voters' approval of the measure and shall formally appoint a committee to prepare arguments advocating voters' rejection of the measure. (2) The authority shall appoint persons that reside within the jurisdictional boundaries and are known to favor the measure to serve on the committee advocating approval and shall, whenever possible, appoint persons that reside within the jurisdictional boundaries and are known to oppose the measure to serve on the committee advocating rejection. (3) Each committee shall have not more than three members, however, a committee may seek the advice of any person or persons. (4) If the legislative authority of a unit of local government fails to make such appointments by the prescribed deadline, the county auditor shall issue a media release and publish information on the auditor's election website announcing the opportunity to form committees and provide statements. If the legislative authority is unable to make appointments, the auditor shall make appointments on a first-come, first-served basis if qualified committee members contact the auditor by the appropriate deadline. (5) If no statement is produced, the auditor shall include a statement in the pamphlet stating that no person in the jurisdiction contacted the auditor to provide a statement, and there are no statements for that measure.
RCW 29A.24.220 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 24 / Section 220
RCW 29A.24.220: Void in candidacy for water-sewer districts—Fewer than one hundred residents.
Status: in_force

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 .
RCW 29B.40.010 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 40 / Section 010
RCW 29B.40.010: Findings—Intent.
Status: in_force

(1) The people of the state of Washington find and declare that: (a) The financial strength of certain individuals or organizations should not permit them to exercise a disproportionate or controlling influence on the election of candidates. (b) Rapidly increasing political campaign costs have led many candidates to raise larger percentages of money from special interests with a specific financial stake in matters before state government. This has caused the public perception that decisions of elected officials are being improperly influenced by monetary contributions. (c) Candidates are raising less money in small contributions from individuals and more money from special interests. This has created the public perception that individuals have an insignificant role to play in the political process. (2) By limiting campaign contributions, the people intend to: (a) Ensure that individuals and interest groups have fair and equal opportunity to influence elective and governmental processes; (b) Reduce the influence of large organizational contributors; and (c) Restore public trust in governmental institutions and the electoral process.
RCW 29A.04.058 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 04 / Section 058
RCW 29A.04.058: Election official.
Status: in_force

"Election official" when pertaining to voter registration includes any staff member of the office of the secretary of state, staff of state agencies or offices providing voter registration services, or a staff member of a county auditor's office.
RCW 29B.20.010 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 20 / Section 010
RCW 29B.20.010: Public disclosure commission—Established—Commissioners—Prohibited activities—Compensation, travel expenses.
Status: in_force

(1) The public disclosure commission is established. The commission shall be composed of five commissioners appointed by the governor, with the consent of the senate. The commission shall have the authority and duties as set forth in this title. All appointees shall be persons of the highest integrity and qualifications. No more than three commissioners shall have an identification with the same political party. (2) The term of each commissioner shall be five years, which may continue until a successor is appointed, but may not exceed an additional 12 months. No commissioner is eligible for appointment to more than one full term. Any commissioner may be removed by the governor, but only upon grounds of neglect of duty or misconduct in office. (3)(a) During a commissioner's tenure, the commissioner is prohibited from engaging in any of the following activities, either within or outside the state of Washington: (i) Holding or campaigning for elective office; (ii) Serving as an officer of any political party or political committee; (iii) Permitting the commissioner's name to be used in support of or in opposition to a candidate or proposition; (iv) Soliciting or making contributions to a candidate or in support of or in opposition to any candidate or proposition; (v) Participating in any way in any election campaign; or (vi) Lobbying, employing, or assisting a lobbyist, except that a commissioner or the staff of the commission may lobby to the limited extent permitted by RCW 29B.50.090 on matters directly affecting this title. (b) This subsection is not intended to prohibit a commissioner from participating in or supporting nonprofit or other organizations, in the commissioner's private capacity, to the extent such participation is not prohibited under (a) of this subsection. (c) The provisions of this subsection do not relieve a commissioner of any applicable disqualification and recusal requirements. (4) A vacancy on the commission shall be filled within 30 days of the vacancy by the governor, with the consent of the senate, and the appointee shall serve for the remaining term of the appointee's predecessor. A vacancy shall not impair the powers of the remaining commissioners to exercise all of the powers of the commission. (5) Three commissioners shall constitute a quorum. The commission shall elect its own chair and adopt its own rules of procedure in the manner provided in chapter 34.05 RCW. (6) Commissioners shall be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.250 and shall be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred while engaged in the business of the commission as provided in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 . The compensation provided pursuant to this section shall not be considered salary for purposes of the provisions of any retirement system created under the laws of this state.
RCW 29B.10.520 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 10 / Section 520
RCW 29B.10.520: Surplus funds.
Status: in_force

"Surplus funds" mean, in the case of a political committee or candidate, the balance of contributions that remain in the possession or control of that committee or candidate subsequent to the election for which the contributions were received, and that are in excess of the amount necessary to pay remaining debts or expenses incurred by the committee or candidate with respect to that election. In the case of a continuing political committee, "surplus funds" mean those contributions remaining in the possession or control of the committee that are in excess of the amount necessary to pay all remaining debts or expenses when it makes its final report under RCW 29B.25.120 .
RCW 29A.88.050 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 88 / Section 050
RCW 29A.88.050: Ballot title.
Status: in_force

The ballot title for the special election called under RCW 29A.88.020 shall be "Shall the Governor be required to notify Congress of Washington's disapproval of the President's recommendation of [name of site] as a national high-level nuclear waste repository?"
RCW 29A.12.005 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 12 / Section 005
RCW 29A.12.005: "Voting system."
Status: in_force

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.
RCW 29A.32.241 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 32 / Section 241
RCW 29A.32.241: Contents.
Status: in_force

(1) The local voters' pamphlet shall include but not be limited to the following: (a) Appearing on the cover, the words "official local voters' pamphlet," the name of the jurisdiction producing the pamphlet, and the date of the election or primary; (b) A list of jurisdictions that have measures or candidates in the pamphlet; (c) Information on how a person may register to vote and obtain a ballot; (d) Candidate statements and photographs; (e) The text of each measure accompanied by an explanatory statement prepared by the prosecuting attorney for any county measure or by the attorney for the jurisdiction submitting the measure if other than a county measure. All explanatory statements for city, town, or district measures not approved by the attorney for the jurisdiction submitting the measure shall be reviewed and approved by the county prosecuting attorney or city attorney, when applicable, before inclusion in the pamphlet; (f) The arguments for and against each measure submitted by committees selected pursuant to RCW 29A.32.280 ; and (g) A list of all student engagement hubs in the county as designated under RCW 29A.40.180 . (2) The county auditor's name may not appear in the local voters' pamphlet in an official capacity if the county auditor is a candidate for office during the same year. The auditor's name may only be included as part of the information normally included for candidates.
RCW 29A.08.710 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 08 / Section 710
RCW 29A.08.710: Originals and automated files—Public disclosure.
Status: in_force

(1) The county auditor shall have custody of the original voter registration records and voter registration sign up records for each county. The original voter registration form must be filed without regard to precinct and is considered confidential and unavailable for public inspection and copying. An automated file of all registered voters must be maintained pursuant to RCW 29A.08.125 . An auditor may maintain the automated file in lieu of filing or maintaining the original voter registration forms if the automated file includes all of the information from the original voter registration forms including, but not limited to, a retrievable facsimile of each voter's signature. (2)(a) The following information contained in voter registration records or files regarding a voter or a group of voters is available for public inspection and copying, except as provided in RCW 40.24.060 and (b) of this subsection: The voter's name, address, political jurisdiction, gender, year of birth, voting record, date of registration, and registration number. No other information from voter registration records or files is available for public inspection or copying. (b) Disclosure of information on individuals under the age of 18 is subject to RCW 29A.08.725 .
RCW 29A.04.560 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 04 / Section 560
RCW 29A.04.560: Election review section.
Status: in_force

An election review section is established in the elections division of the office of the secretary of state. Permanent staff of the elections division, trained and certified as required by RCW 29A.04.540 , shall perform the election review functions prescribed by RCW 29A.04.570 . The staff may also be required to assist in training, certification, and other duties as may be assigned by the secretary of state to ensure the uniform and orderly conduct of elections in this state.
RCW 29A.52.355 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 52 / Section 355
RCW 29A.52.355: Notice of election—Prior to mail-in registration deadline.
Status: in_force

(1) Notice for any state, county, district, or municipal primary or election, whether special or general, must be given by the county auditor between five and fifteen days prior to the deadline for mail-in registrations. The notice must be published in one or more newspapers of general circulation and must contain, at a minimum, the last date to register online or through the mail, the last date to transfer or update an existing registration, the last date to register in person for first-time voters, information on where a person can register, the type of election, the date of the election, how a voter can obtain a ballot, a list of all jurisdictions involved in the election, including positions and short titles for ballot measures appearing on the ballot, and the times and dates of any public meetings associated with the election. The notice shall also include where additional information regarding the election may be obtained. The notice of a primary held in an even-numbered year must indicate that the office of precinct committee officer is on the ballot. This is the only notice required for a state, county, district, or municipal primary or special or general election. (2) If the county or city chooses to mail a local voters' pamphlet as described in RCW 29A.32.210 to each residence, the notice required in this section need only include the last date to register online or through the mail, the last date to transfer or update an existing registration, the last date to register in person for first-time voters, information on where a person can register, and the times and dates of any public meetings associated with the election.
RCW 29A.16.040 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 16 / Section 040
RCW 29A.16.040: Precincts—Boundaries may be altered.
Status: in_force

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.
RCW 29A.92.090 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 92 / Section 090
RCW 29A.92.090: Action in superior court—Venue—Joint action.
Status: in_force

*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 1750-S2.SL ) ***

(1) After exhaustion of the time period in RCW 29A.92.080 , any voter who resides in a political subdivision, organization whose roster of members and volunteers includes a voter who resides in the political subdivision, or tribe located at least in part in the political subdivision where a violation of RCW 29A.92.020 is alleged may file an action in the superior court of the county in which the political subdivision is located. If the action is against a county, the action may be filed in the superior court of such county, or in the superior court of either of the two nearest judicial districts as determined pursuant to RCW 36.01.050 (2). An action filed pursuant to this chapter does not need to be filed as a class action. (2) A coalition of members of different protected classes may file an action jointly pursuant to this chapter if they demonstrate that the combined voting preferences of the multiple protected classes are polarized against the rest of the electorate. A coalition of members of different protected classes is not required to demonstrate that each individual racial, color, or language minority group which comprises the coalition is cohesive. (3) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to relieve a party of the requirement to establish standing as provided in Washington case law when commencing an action under this title.
RCW 29B.30.040 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 30 / Section 040
RCW 29B.30.040: Recordkeeping.
Status: in_force

(1) The sponsor of an electioneering communication shall preserve all financial records relating to the communication, including books of account, bills, receipts, contributor information, and ledgers, for not less than five calendar years following the year in which the communication was broadcast, transmitted, mailed, erected, or otherwise published. (2) All reports filed under RCW 29B.30.020 shall be certified as correct by the sponsor. If the sponsor is an individual using his or her own funds to pay for the communication, the certification shall be signed by the individual. If the sponsor is a political committee, the certification shall be signed by the committee treasurer. If the sponsor is another entity, the certification shall be signed by the individual responsible for authorizing the expenditure on the entity's behalf.
RCW 29A.08.170 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 08 / Section 170
RCW 29A.08.170: Registration at age 16 and 17.
Status: in_force

(1) A person may sign up to register to vote if he or she is sixteen or seventeen years of age, as part of the future voter program. (2) A person who signs up to register to vote may not vote until reaching eighteen years of age unless the person is seventeen years of age at the primary election or presidential primary election and will be eighteen years of age by the general election. (3) A person who signs up to register to vote may not be added to the statewide voter registration list of voters until such time as he or she will be eligible to vote in the next election.
RCW 29B.10.480 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 10 / Section 480
RCW 29B.10.480: Sponsor.
Status: in_force

(1) "Sponsor," for purposes of an electioneering communications, independent expenditures, or political advertising, means the person paying for the electioneering communication, independent expenditure, or political advertising. If a person acts as an agent for another or is reimbursed by another for the payment, the original source of the payment is the sponsor. (2) "Sponsor," for purposes of a political or incidental committee, means any person, except an authorized committee, to whom any of the following applies: (a) The committee receives 80 percent or more of its contributions either from the person or from the person's members, officers, employees, or shareholders; (b) The person collects contributions for the committee by use of payroll deductions or dues from its members, officers, or employees.
RCW 29A.60.250 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 60 / Section 250
RCW 29A.60.250: Secretary of state—Final returns—Scope.
Status: in_force

As soon as the returns have been received from all the counties of the state, but not later than the thirtieth day after the election, the secretary of state shall canvass and certify the returns of the general election as to candidates for statewide offices, the United States senate, congress, and all legislative and judicial candidates whose districts extend beyond the limits of a single county. The secretary of state shall transmit a copy of the certification to the governor, president of the senate, and speaker of the house of representatives.
RCW 29A.84.261 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 84 / Section 261
RCW 29A.84.261: Petitions—Improperly signing.
Status: in_force

The following apply to persons signing filing fee petitions prescribed by RCW 29A.24.101 : (1) A person who signs a petition with any other than his or her name shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. (2) A person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor if the person knowingly: Signs more than one petition for any single candidacy of any single candidate; signs the petition when he or she is not a legal voter; or makes a false statement as to his or her residence.
RCW 29B.50.120 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 50 / Section 120
RCW 29B.50.120: Employment of unregistered persons.
Status: in_force

It is a violation of this title for any person to employ for pay or any consideration, or pay or agree to pay any consideration to, a person to lobby who is not registered under this title except upon the condition that such a person must register as a lobbyist as provided by this title.
RCW 29B.60.070 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 60 / Section 070
RCW 29B.60.070: Damages, costs, and attorneys' fees—Joint and several liability.
Status: in_force

In any action brought under this title, the court may award to the commission all reasonable costs of investigation and trial, including reasonable attorneys' fees to be fixed by the court. If the violation is found to have been intentional, the amount of the judgment, which shall for this purpose include the costs, may be trebled as punitive damages. If damages or trebled damages are awarded in such an action brought against a lobbyist, the judgment may be awarded against the lobbyist, and the lobbyist's employer or employers joined as defendants, jointly, severally, or both. If the defendant prevails, he or she shall be awarded all costs of trial and may be awarded reasonable attorneys' fees to be fixed by the court and paid by the state of Washington.
RCW 29A.12.020 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 12 / Section 020
RCW 29A.12.020: Inspection and test by secretary of state—Report.
Status: in_force

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.
RCW 29B.40.190 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 40 / Section 190
RCW 29B.40.190: Certain contributions required to be by written instrument.
Status: in_force

(1) A person may not make a contribution of more than *one hundred dollars, other than an in-kind contribution, except by a written instrument containing the name of the donor and the name of the payee. (2) A political committee may not make a contribution, other than in-kind, except by a written instrument containing the name of the donor and the name of the payee.
RCW 29A.32.020 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 32 / Section 020
RCW 29A.32.020: Prohibition against deceptively similar campaign materials.
Status: in_force

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.
RCW 29A.04.230 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 04 / Section 230
RCW 29A.04.230: Secretary of state as chief election officer.
Status: in_force

The secretary of state through the election division shall be the chief election officer for all federal, state, county, city, town, and district elections that are subject to this title. The secretary of state shall keep records of elections held for which he or she is required by law to canvass the results, make such records available to the public upon request, and coordinate those state election activities required by federal law.
RCW 29B.25.140 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 25 / Section 140
RCW 29B.25.140: Special reports—Late contributions or large totals—Certain late contributions prohibited.
Status: in_force

(1) Treasurers shall prepare and deliver to the commission a special report when a contribution or aggregate of contributions totals one thousand dollars or more, is from a single person or entity, and is received during a special reporting period. (2) A political committee shall prepare and deliver to the commission a special report when it makes a contribution or an aggregate of contributions to a single entity that totals one thousand dollars or more during a special reporting period. (3) An aggregate of contributions includes only those contributions made to or received from a single entity during any one special reporting period. Any subsequent contribution of any size made to or received from the same person or entity during the special reporting period must also be reported. (4) Special reporting periods, for purposes of this section, include: (a) The period beginning on the day after the last report required by RCW 29B.25.090 and 29B.25.100 to be filed before a primary and concluding on the end of the day before that primary; (b) The period 21 days preceding a general election; and (c) An aggregate of contributions includes only those contributions received from a single entity during any one special reporting period or made by the contributing political committee to a single entity during any one special reporting period. (5) If a campaign treasurer files a special report under this section for one or more contributions received from a single entity during a special reporting period, the treasurer shall also file a special report under this section for each subsequent contribution of any size which is received from that entity during the special reporting period. If a political committee files a special report under this section for a contribution or contributions made to a single entity during a special reporting period, the political committee shall also file a special report for each subsequent contribution of any size which is made to that entity during the special reporting period. (6) Special reports required by this section shall be delivered electronically, or in written form if an electronic alternative is not available. (a) The special report required of a contribution recipient under subsection (1) of this section shall be delivered to the commission within 48 hours of the time, or on the first working day after: The contribution of one thousand dollars or more is received by the candidate or treasurer; the aggregate received by the candidate or treasurer first equals one thousand dollars or more; or any subsequent contribution from the same source is received by the candidate or treasurer. (b) The special report required of a contributor under subsection (2) of this section or RCW 29B.50.070 shall be delivered to the commission, and the candidate or political committee to whom the contribution or contributions are made, within 24 hours of the time, or on the first working day after: The contribution is made; the aggregate of contributions made first equals one thousand dollars or more; or any subsequent contribution to the same person or entity is made. (7) The special report shall include: (a) The amount of the contribution or contributions; (b) The date or dates of receipt; (c) The name and address of the donor; (d) The name and address of the recipient; (e) A statement that the candidate or political committee has received a certification from any partnership, association, corporation, organization, or other combination of persons making a contribution reportable under this section that: (i) The contribution is not financed in any part by a foreign national; and (ii) Foreign nationals are not involved in making decisions regarding the contribution in any way; and (f) Any other information the commission may by rule require. (8) Contributions reported under this section shall also be reported as required by other provisions of this title. (9) The commission shall prepare daily a summary of the special reports made under this section and RCW 29B.50.070 . (10) Contributions governed by this section include, but are not limited to, contributions made or received indirectly through a third party or entity whether the contributions are or are not reported to the commission as earmarked contributions under RCW 29B.25.150 .
RCW 29A.56.620 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 56 / Section 620
RCW 29A.56.620: Convention—Notice.
Status: in_force

Each minor party or independent candidate must publish a notice in a newspaper of general circulation within the county in which the party or the candidate intends to hold a convention. The notice must appear at least ten days before the convention is to be held, and shall state the date, time, and place of the convention. Additionally, it shall include the mailing address of the person or organization sponsoring the convention.
RCW 29B.40.020 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 40 / Section 020
RCW 29B.40.020: Limits specified—Exemptions.
Status: in_force

(1) The contribution limits in this section apply to: (a) Candidates for legislative office; (b) Candidates for state office other than legislative office; (c) Candidates for county office; (d) Candidates for port district office; (e) Candidates for city council office; (f) Candidates for mayoral office; (g) Candidates for school board office; (h) Candidates for public hospital district board of commissioners in districts with a population over 150,000; (i) Persons holding an office in (a) through (h) of this subsection against whom recall charges have been filed or to a political committee having the expectation of making expenditures in support of the recall of a person holding the office; (j) Caucus political committees; (k) Bona fide political parties. (2) No person, other than a bona fide political party or a caucus political committee, may make contributions to a candidate for a legislative office, county office, city council office, mayoral office, school board office, or public hospital district board of commissioners that in the aggregate exceed *eight hundred dollars or to a candidate for a public office in a port district or a state office other than a legislative office that in the aggregate exceed *one thousand six hundred dollars for each election in which the candidate is on the ballot or appears as a write-in candidate. Contributions to candidates subject to the limits in this section made with respect to a primary may not be made after the date of the primary. However, contributions to a candidate or a candidate's authorized committee may be made with respect to a primary until 30 days after the primary, subject to the following limitations: (a) The candidate lost the primary; (b) the candidate's authorized committee has insufficient funds to pay debts outstanding as of the date of the primary; and (c) the contributions may only be raised and spent to satisfy the outstanding debt. Contributions to candidates subject to the limits in this section made with respect to a general election may not be made after the final day of the applicable election cycle. (3) No person, other than a bona fide political party or a caucus political committee, may make contributions to a state official, a county official, a city official, a school board member, a public hospital district commissioner, or a public official in a port district against whom recall charges have been filed, or to a political committee having the expectation of making expenditures in support of the recall of the state official, county official, city official, school board member, public hospital district commissioner, or public official in a port district during a recall campaign that in the aggregate exceed *eight hundred dollars if for a legislative office, county office, school board office, public hospital district office, or city office, or *one thousand six hundred dollars if for a port district office or a state office other than a legislative office. (4)(a) Notwithstanding subsection (2) of this section, no bona fide political party or caucus political committee may make contributions to a candidate during an election cycle that in the aggregate exceed (i) eighty cents multiplied by the number of eligible registered voters in the jurisdiction from which the candidate is elected if the contributor is a caucus political committee or the governing body of a state organization, or (ii) forty cents multiplied by the number of registered voters in the jurisdiction from which the candidate is elected if the contributor is a county central committee or a legislative district committee. (b) No candidate may accept contributions from a county central committee or a legislative district committee during an election cycle that when combined with contributions from other county central committees or legislative district committees would in the aggregate exceed forty cents times the number of registered voters in the jurisdiction from which the candidate is elected. (5)(a) Notwithstanding subsection (3) of this section, no bona fide political party or caucus political committee may make contributions to a state official, county official, city official, school board member, public hospital district commissioner, or a public official in a port district against whom recall charges have been filed, or to a political committee having the expectation of making expenditures in support of the state official, county official, city official, school board member, public hospital district commissioner, or a public official in a port district during a recall campaign that in the aggregate exceed (i) eighty cents multiplied by the number of eligible registered voters in the jurisdiction entitled to recall the state official if the contributor is a caucus political committee or the governing body of a state organization, or (ii) forty cents multiplied by the number of registered voters in the jurisdiction from which the candidate is elected if the contributor is a county central committee or a legislative district committee. (b) No official holding an office specified in subsection (1) of this section against whom recall charges have been filed, no authorized committee of the official, and no political committee having the expectation of making expenditures in support of the recall of the official may accept contributions from a county central committee or a legislative district committee during an election cycle that when combined with contributions from other county central committees or legislative district committees would in the aggregate exceed forty cents multiplied by the number of registered voters in the jurisdiction from which the candidate is elected. (6) For purposes of determining contribution limits under subsections (4) and (5) of this section, the number of eligible registered voters in a jurisdiction is the number at the time of the most recent general election in the jurisdiction. (7) Notwithstanding subsections (2) through (5) of this section, no person other than an individual, bona fide political party, or caucus political committee may make contributions reportable under this title to a caucus political committee that in the aggregate exceed *eight hundred dollars in a calendar year or to a bona fide political party that in the aggregate exceed *four thousand dollars in a calendar year. This subsection does not apply to loans made in the ordinary course of business. (8) For the purposes of RCW 29B.20.050 , 29B.40.020 through 29B.40.040 , 29B.40.140 through 29B.40.230 , 29B.40.240 , 29B.45.020 , and 29B.45.030 , a contribution to the authorized political committee of a candidate or of an official specified in subsection (1) of this section against whom recall charges have been filed is considered to be a contribution to the candidate or official. (9) A contribution received within the 12-month period after a recall election concerning an office specified in subsection (1) of this section is considered to be a contribution during that recall campaign if the contribution is used to pay a debt or obligation incurred to influence the outcome of that recall campaign. (10) The contributions allowed by subsection (3) of this section are in addition to those allowed by subsection (2) of this section, and the contributions allowed by subsection (5) of this section are in addition to those allowed by subsection (4) of this section. (11) RCW 29B.20.050 , 29B.40.020 through 29B.40.040 , 29B.40.140 through 29B.40.230 , 29B.40.240 , 29B.45.020 , and 29B.45.030 apply to a special election conducted to fill a vacancy in an office specified in subsection (1) of this section. However, the contributions made to a candidate or received by a candidate for a primary or special election conducted to fill such a vacancy shall not be counted toward any of the limitations that apply to the candidate or to contributions made to the candidate for any other primary or election. (12) Notwithstanding the other subsections of this section, no corporation or business entity not doing business in Washington state, no labor union with fewer than 10 members who reside in Washington state, and no political committee that has not received contributions of *ten dollars or more from at least 10 persons registered to vote in Washington state during the preceding 180 days may make contributions reportable under this title to a state office candidate, to a state official against whom recall charges have been filed, or to a political committee having the expectation of making expenditures in support of the recall of the official. This subsection does not apply to loans made in the ordinary course of business. (13) Notwithstanding the other subsections of this section, no county central committee or legislative district committee may make contributions reportable under this title to a candidate specified in subsection (1) of this section, or an official specified in subsection (1) of this section against whom recall charges have been filed, or political committee having the expectation of making expenditures in support of the recall of an official specified in subsection (1) of this section if the county central committee or legislative district committee is outside of the jurisdiction entitled to elect the candidate or recall the official. (14) No person may accept contributions that exceed the contribution limitations provided in this section. (15) The following contributions are exempt from the contribution limits of this section: (a) An expenditure or contribution earmarked for voter registration, for absentee ballot information, for precinct caucuses, for get-out-the-vote campaigns, for precinct judges or inspectors, for sample ballots, or for ballot counting, all without promotion of or political advertising for individual candidates; (b) An expenditure by a political committee for its own internal organization or fund-raising without direct association with individual candidates; or (c) An expenditure or contribution for independent expenditures as defined in RCW 29B.10.310 or electioneering communications as defined in RCW 29B.10.220 .
RCW 29B.30.060 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 30 / Section 060
RCW 29B.30.060: Picture of candidate.
Status: in_force

At least one picture of the candidate used in any political advertising shall have been taken within the last five years and shall be no smaller than any other picture of the same candidate used in the same advertisement.
RCW 29A.04.121 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 04 / Section 121
RCW 29A.04.121: Precinct.
Status: in_force

"Precinct" means a geographical subdivision for voting purposes that is established by a county legislative authority.
RCW 29B.10.510 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 10 / Section 510
RCW 29B.10.510: State official.
Status: in_force

"State official" means a person who holds a state office.
RCW 29A.80.010 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 80 / Section 010
RCW 29A.80.010: Rule-making authority.
Status: in_force

Each political party organization may adopt rules governing its own organization and the nonstatutory functions of that organization.
RCW 29A.12.140 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 12 / Section 140
RCW 29A.12.140: Operating procedures.
Status: in_force

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.
RCW 29A.40.110 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 40 / Section 110
RCW 29A.40.110: Processing incoming ballots.
Status: in_force

(1) The opening and subsequent processing of return envelopes for any primary or election may begin upon receipt. The tabulation of absentee ballots must not commence until after 8:00 p.m. on the day of the primary or election. (2) All received return envelopes must be placed in secure locations from the time of delivery to the county auditor until their subsequent opening. After opening the return envelopes, the county canvassing board shall place all of the ballots in secure storage until processing. Ballots may be taken from the inner envelopes and all the normal procedural steps may be performed to prepare these ballots for tabulation. (3) The canvassing board, or its designated representatives, shall examine the postmark on the return envelope and signature on the declaration before processing the ballot. The ballot must either be received no later than 8:00 p.m. on the day of the primary or election, or must be postmarked no later than the day of the primary or election. All personnel assigned to verify signatures must receive training on statewide standards for signature verification. The county auditor shall publish on its website the names of all canvassing board members who received training on statewide standards for signature verification and the dates on which the training was completed. Personnel shall verify that the voter's signature on the ballot declaration is the same as the signature of that voter in the registration files of the county. Verification may be conducted by an automated verification system approved by the secretary of state. A variation between the signature of the voter on the ballot declaration and the signature of that voter in the registration files due to the substitution of initials or the use of common nicknames is permitted so long as the surname and handwriting are clearly the same. A county that is participating in the alternative verification options pilot project under RCW 29A.40.111 may also verify a voter's ballot using an alternative verification method approved by the office of the secretary of state. (4) If the postmark is missing or illegible, the date on the ballot declaration to which the voter has attested determines the validity, as to the time of voting, for that ballot. For overseas voters and service voters, the date on the declaration to which the voter has attested determines the validity, as to the time of voting, for that ballot. Any overseas voter or service voter may return the signed declaration and voted ballot by fax or email by 8:00 p.m. on the day of the primary or election, and the county auditor must use established procedures to maintain the secrecy of the ballot.
RCW 29A.04.151 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 04 / Section 151
RCW 29A.04.151: Residence.
Status: in_force

"Residence" for the purpose of registering and voting means a person's permanent address where he or she physically resides and maintains his or her abode. However, no person gains residence by reason of his or her presence or loses his or her residence by reason of his or her absence: (1) While employed in the civil or military service of the state or of the United States; (2) While engaged in the navigation of the waters of this state or the United States or the high seas; (3) While a student at any institution of learning; (4) While confined in any public prison. Absence from the state on business shall not affect the question of residence of any person unless the right to vote has been claimed or exercised elsewhere.
RCW 29A.56.260 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 56 / Section 260
RCW 29A.56.260: Ascertaining the result—When recall effective.
Status: in_force

The votes on a recall election must be counted, canvassed, and the results certified in the manner provided by law for counting, canvassing, and certifying the results of an election for the office from which the officer is being recalled. However, if the officer whose recall is demanded is the officer to whom, under the law, returns of elections are made, the returns must be made to the officer with whom the charge is filed, and who called the special election. In the case of an election for the recall of a state officer, the county canvassing boards of the various counties shall canvass and return the result of the election to the officer calling the special election. If a majority of all votes cast at the recall election is for the recall of the officer charged, the officer is thereupon recalled and discharged from the office, and the office thereupon is vacant.
RCW 29A.64.090 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 64 / Section 090
RCW 29A.64.090: Statewide measures—When mandatory—Cost at state expense.
Status: in_force

When the official canvass of returns of any election reveals that the difference in the number of votes cast for the approval of a statewide measure and the number of votes cast for the rejection of such measure is less than two thousand votes and also less than one-half of one percent of the total number of votes cast on such measure, the secretary of state shall direct that a recount of all votes cast on such measure be made on such measure, in the manner provided by RCW 29A.64.041 and 29A.64.061 , and the cost of such recount will be at state expense.
RCW 29A.60.235 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 60 / Section 235
RCW 29A.60.235: Reconciliation reports.
Status: in_force

(1) The county auditor shall prepare at the time of certification an election reconciliation report that discloses the following information: (a) The number of registered voters; (b) The number of ballots issued; (c) The number of ballots received; (d) The number of ballots counted; (e) The number of ballots rejected; (f) The number of provisional ballots issued; (g) The number of provisional ballots received; (h) The number of provisional ballots counted; (i) The number of provisional ballots rejected; (j) The number of federal write-in ballots received; (k) The number of federal write-in ballots counted; (l) The number of federal write-in ballots rejected; (m) The number of overseas and service ballots issued by mail, email, website link, or facsimile; (n) The number of overseas and service ballots received by mail, email, or facsimile; (o) The number of overseas and service ballots counted by mail, email, or facsimile; (p) The number of overseas and service ballots rejected by mail, email, or facsimile; (q) The number of nonoverseas and nonservice ballots sent by email, website link, or facsimile; (r) The number of nonoverseas and nonservice ballots received by email or facsimile; (s) The number of nonoverseas and nonservice ballots that were rejected for: (i) Failing to send an original or hard copy of the ballot by the certification deadline; or (ii) Any other reason, including the reason for rejection; (t) The number of voters credited with voting; (u) The number of replacement ballots requested; (v) The number of replacement ballots issued; (w) The number of replacement ballots received; (x) The number of replacement ballots counted; (y) The number of replacement ballots rejected; and (z) Any other information the auditor or secretary of state deems necessary to reconcile the number of ballots counted with the number of voters credited with voting, and to maintain an audit trail. (2) The county auditor must make the report available to the public at the auditor's office and must publish the report on the auditor's website at the time of certification. The county auditor must submit the report to the secretary of state at the time of certification in any form determined by the secretary of state. (3)(a) The secretary of state must collect the reconciliation reports from each county auditor and prepare a statewide reconciliation report for each state primary and general election. The report may be produced in a form determined by the secretary that includes the information as described in this subsection (3). The report must be prepared and published on the secretary of state's website within two months after the last county's election results have been certified. (b) The state report must include a comparison among counties on rates of votes received, counted, and rejected, including provisional, write-in, overseas ballots, and ballots transmitted electronically. The comparison information may be in the form of rankings, percentages, or other relevant quantifiable data that can be used to measure performance and trends. (c) The state report must also include an analysis of the data that can be used to develop a better understanding of election administration and policy. The analysis must combine data, as available, over multiple years to provide broader comparisons and trends regarding voter registration and turnout and ballot counting. The analysis must incorporate national election statistics to the extent such information is available.
RCW 29A.84.711 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 84 / Section 711
RCW 29A.84.711: Documents regarding nomination, election, candidacy—Frauds and falsehoods.
Status: in_force

Every person who: (1) Knowingly and falsely issues a certificate of nomination or election; or (2) Knowingly provides false information on a minor party or independent candidate certificate of nomination is guilty of a class C felony punishable under RCW 9A.20.021 .
RCW 29A.56.160 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 56 / Section 160
RCW 29A.56.160: Petition—Form.
Status: in_force

Recall petitions must be printed on single sheets of paper of good writing quality (including but not limited to newsprint) not less than eleven inches in width and not less than fourteen inches in length. No petition may be circulated or signed prior to the first day of the one hundred eighty or two hundred seventy day period established by RCW 29A.56.150 for that recall petition. The petitions must be substantially in the following form: The warning prescribed by RCW 29A.72.140 ; followed by: Petition for the recall of (here insert the name of the office and of the person whose recall is petitioned for) to the Honorable (here insert the name and title of the officer with whom the charge is filed). We, the undersigned citizens and legal voters of (the state of Washington or the political subdivision in which the recall is to be held), respectfully direct that a special election be called to determine whether or not (here insert the name of the person charged and the office which he or she holds) be recalled and discharged from his or her office, for and on account of (his or her having committed the act or acts of malfeasance or misfeasance while in office, or having violated his or her oath of office, as the case may be), in the following particulars: (here insert the synopsis of the charge); and each of us for himself or herself says: I have personally signed this petition; I am a legal voter of the State of Washington in the precinct and city (or town) and county written after my name, and my residence address is correctly stated, and to my knowledge, have signed this petition only once. The petition must include a place for each petitioner to sign and print his or her name, and the address, city, and county at which he or she is registered to vote.
RCW 29A.92.005 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 92 / Section 005
RCW 29A.92.005: Findings—Intent.
Status: in_force

*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 1750-S2.SL ) ***

The legislature finds that electoral systems that deny race, color, or language minority groups an equal opportunity to elect candidates of their choice are inconsistent with the right to free and equal elections as provided by Article I, section 19 and Article VI, section 1 of the Washington state Constitution as well as protections found in the Fourteenth and Fifteenth amendments to the United States Constitution. The well-established principle of "one person, one vote" and the prohibition on vote dilution have been consistently upheld in federal and state courts for more than fifty years. The legislature also finds that local government subdivisions are often prohibited from addressing these challenges because of Washington laws that narrowly prescribe the methods by which they may elect members of their legislative bodies. The legislature finds that in some cases, this has resulted in an improper dilution of voting power for these minority groups. The legislature intends to modify existing prohibitions in state laws so that these jurisdictions may voluntarily adopt changes on their own, in collaboration with affected community members, to remedy potential electoral issues so that minority groups have an equal opportunity to elect candidates of their choice or influence the outcome of an election. The legislature intends for this chapter to be consistent with federal protections that may provide a similar remedy for minority groups. Remedies shall also be available where the drawing of crossover and coalition districts is able to address both vote dilution and racial polarization. The legislature also intends for this chapter to be consistent with legal precedent from Mt. Spokane Skiing Corp. v. Spokane Co. (86 Wn. App. 165, 1997) that found that noncharter counties need not adhere to a single uniform county system of government, but that each county have the same "authority available" in order to be deemed uniform.
RCW 29A.92.900 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 92 / Section 900
RCW 29A.92.900: Short title.
Status: in_force

This chapter may be known and cited as the Washington voting rights act of 2018.
RCW 29B.10.050 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 10 / Section 050
RCW 29B.10.050: Ballot proposition.
Status: in_force

"Ballot proposition" means any "measure" as defined by RCW 29A.04.091 , or any initiative, recall, or referendum proposition proposed to be submitted to the voters of the state or any municipal corporation, political subdivision, or other voting constituency from and after the time when the proposition has been initially filed with the appropriate election officer of that constituency before its circulation for signatures.
RCW 29A.72.210 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 72 / Section 210
RCW 29A.72.210: Petitions—Consolidation into volumes.
Status: in_force

If the secretary of state accepts and files an initiative or referendum petition upon its being submitted for filing or if he or she is required to file it by the court, he or she shall, in the presence of the person submitting such petition for filing if he or she desires to be present, arrange and assemble the sheets containing the signatures into such volumes as will be most convenient for verification and canvassing and shall consecutively number the volumes and stamp the date of filing on each volume.
RCW 29B.40.050 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 40 / Section 050
RCW 29B.40.050: Foreign nationals—Contributions, expenditures, and electioneering prohibited.
Status: in_force

(1) A foreign national may not make a contribution to any candidate or political committee, make an expenditure in support of or in opposition to any candidate or ballot measure, or sponsor political advertising or an electioneering communication. (2) A person may not make a contribution to any candidate or political committee, make an expenditure in support of or in opposition to any candidate or ballot measure, or sponsor political advertising or an electioneering communication, if: (a) The contribution, expenditure, political advertising, or electioneering communication is financed in any part by a foreign national; or (b) Foreign nationals are involved in making decisions regarding the contribution, expenditure, political advertising, or electioneering communication in any way.
RCW 29A.04.175 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 04 / Section 175
RCW 29A.04.175: Special election.
Status: in_force

"Special election" means any election that is not a general election and may be held in conjunction with a general election or primary.
RCW 29A.32.110 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 32 / Section 110
RCW 29A.32.110: Photographs.
Status: in_force

All photographs of candidates submitted for publication must conform to standards established by the secretary of state by rule. No photograph may reveal clothing or insignia suggesting the holding of a public office.
RCW 29A.04.410 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 04 / Section 410
RCW 29A.04.410: Costs borne by constituencies.
Status: in_force

Every county, city, town, and district, and the state is liable for its proportionate share of the costs when such elections are held in conjunction with other elections held under RCW 29A.04.321 and 29A.04.330 . Whenever any county, city, town, or district, or the state holds any primary or election, general or special, on an isolated date, all costs of such elections must be borne by the county, city, town, or district concerned, or the state as appropriate. The purpose of this section is to clearly establish that the county is not responsible for any costs involved in the holding of any city, town, district, state, or federal election. In recovering such election expenses, including a reasonable proration of administrative costs, the county auditor shall certify the cost to the county treasurer with a copy to the clerk or auditor of the city, town, or district concerned, or the secretary of state as appropriate. Upon receipt of such certification relating to a city, town, or district, the county treasurer shall make the transfer from any available and appropriate city, town, or district funds to the county current expense fund or to the county election reserve fund if such a fund is established. Each city, town, or district must be promptly notified by the county treasurer whenever such transfer has been completed. However, in those districts wherein a treasurer, other than the county treasurer, has been appointed such transfer procedure does not apply, but the district shall promptly issue its warrant for payment of election costs. State and federal offices are to be considered one entity for purposes of election cost proration and reimbursement.
RCW 29A.04.901 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 04 / Section 901
RCW 29A.04.901: Headings and captions not part of law.
Status: in_force

Chapter headings, part, subpart, and section or subsection captions, as used in this title do not constitute any part of the law.
RCW 29A.04.540 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 04 / Section 540
RCW 29A.04.540: Training of administrators.
Status: in_force

A person having responsibility for the administration or conduct of elections shall, within eighteen months of undertaking those responsibilities, receive general training regarding the conduct of elections and specific training regarding their responsibilities and duties as prescribed by this title or by rules adopted by the secretary of state under this title. Included among those persons for whom such training is mandatory are the following: (1) Secretary of state elections division personnel; (2) County elections administrators under RCW 36.22.220 ; and (3) Any other person or group charged with election administration responsibilities if the person or group is designated by rule adopted by the secretary of state as requiring the training. Neither this section nor RCW 29A.04.530 may be construed as requiring an elected official to receive training or a certificate of training as a condition for seeking or holding elective office or as a condition for carrying out constitutional duties.
RCW 29B.10.090 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 10 / Section 090
RCW 29B.10.090: Candidate.
Status: in_force

"Candidate" means any individual who seeks nomination for election or election to public office. An individual seeks nomination or election when the individual first: (1) Receives contributions or makes expenditures or reserves space or facilities with intent to promote the individual's candidacy for office; (2) Announces publicly or files for office; (3) Purchases commercial advertising space or broadcast time to promote the individual's candidacy; or (4) Gives consent to another person to take on behalf of the individual any of the actions in subsection (1) or (3) of this section.
RCW 29A.56.240 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 56 / Section 240
RCW 29A.56.240: Fraudulent names—Record of.
Status: in_force

The officer making the canvass of a recall petition shall keep a record of all names appearing on it that are not certified to be legal voters of the state or of the political subdivision, as the case may be, and of all names appearing more than once, and shall report the same to the prosecuting attorneys of the respective counties where the names appear to have been signed, to the end that prosecutions may be had for the violation of this chapter.
RCW 29A.24.040 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 24 / Section 040
RCW 29A.24.040: Declaration of candidacy—Electronic filing.
Status: in_force

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.
RCW 29B.10.150 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 10 / Section 150
RCW 29B.10.150: Continuing political committee.
Status: in_force

"Continuing political committee" means a political committee that is an organization of continuing existence not limited to participation in any particular election campaign or election cycle.
RCW 29A.24.031 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 24 / Section 031
RCW 29A.24.031: Declaration of candidacy.
Status: in_force

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.
RCW 29B.10.120 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 10 / Section 120
RCW 29B.10.120: Commission.
Status: in_force

"Commission" means the agency established under RCW 29B.20.010 .
RCW 29B.50.040 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 50 / Section 040
RCW 29B.50.040: Exemption from registration and reporting.
Status: in_force

The following persons and activities are exempt from registration and reporting under RCW 29B.50.010 , 29B.50.050 , and 29B.50.100 : (1) Persons who limit their lobbying activities to appearing before public sessions of committees of the legislature, or public hearings of state agencies; (2) Activities by lobbyists or other persons whose participation has been solicited by an agency under RCW 34.05.310 (2); (3) News or feature reporting activities and editorial comment by working members of the press, radio, digital media, or television and the publication or dissemination thereof by a newspaper, book publisher, regularly published periodical, radio station, digital platform, or television station; (4) Persons who lobby without compensation or other consideration for acting as a lobbyist, if the person makes no expenditure for or on behalf of any member of the legislature or elected official or public officer or employee of the state of Washington in connection with such lobbying. The exemption contained in this subsection is intended to permit and encourage citizens of this state to lobby any legislator, public official, or state agency without incurring any registration or reporting obligation provided they do not exceed the limits stated above. Any person exempt under this subsection (4) may at the person's option register and report under this title; (5) Persons who restrict their lobbying activities to no more than four days or parts of four days during any three-month period and whose total expenditures during such three-month period for or on behalf of any one or more members of the legislature or state elected officials or public officers or employees of the state of Washington in connection with such lobbying do not exceed *twenty-five dollars. The commission shall adopt rules to require disclosure by persons exempt under this subsection or their employers or entities which sponsor or coordinate the lobbying activities of such persons if it determines that such regulations are necessary to prevent frustration of the purposes of this title. Any person exempt under this subsection (5) may at the person's option register and report under this title; (6) The governor; (7) The lieutenant governor; (8) Except as provided by RCW 29B.50.090 (1), members of the legislature; (9) Except as provided by RCW 29B.50.090 (1), persons employed by the legislature for the purpose of aiding in the preparation or enactment of legislation or the performance of legislative duties; (10) Elected officials, and officers and employees of any agency reporting under RCW 29B.50.090 (5).
RCW 29A.12.150 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 12 / Section 150
RCW 29A.12.150: Recording requirements.
Status: in_force

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.
RCW 29A.56.082 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 56 / Section 082
RCW 29A.56.082: Designation of electors.
Status: in_force

For each elector position in this state, a political party contesting the position, or an unaffiliated presidential candidate, shall submit to the secretary of state the names of two qualified individuals. One of the individuals must be designated "elector nominee" and the other "alternate elector nominee." Except as otherwise provided in RCW 29A.56.086 through 29A.56.092 , this state's electors are the winning elector nominees under the laws of this state.
RCW 29A.72.280 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 72 / Section 280
RCW 29A.72.280: Concise description for alternative to initiative to the legislature.
Status: in_force

For a measure designated as "Alternative Measure No. . . . . B," the secretary of state shall obtain from the measure adopting the alternative, or otherwise the attorney general, a concise description of the alternative measure that differs from the concise description of the original initiative and indicates as clearly as possible the essential differences between the two measures.
RCW 29A.60.210 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 60 / Section 210
RCW 29A.60.210: Recanvass—Generally.
Status: in_force

Whenever the canvassing board finds during the initial counting process, or during any subsequent recount thereof, that there is an apparent discrepancy or an inconsistency in the returns of a primary or election, or that election staff has made an error regarding the treatment or disposition of a ballot, the board may recanvass the ballots or voting devices in any precincts of the county. The canvassing board shall conduct any necessary recanvass activity on or before the last day to certify or recertify the results of the primary, election, or subsequent recount and correct any error and document the correction of any error that it finds.
RCW 29A.08.350 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 08 / Section 350
RCW 29A.08.350: Duties of department of licensing, secretary of state.
Status: in_force

The department of licensing shall produce and transmit to the secretary of state the following information from the records of each individual who requested to register to vote or update the individual's existing voter registration at a driver's license facility: The name, address, date of birth, any gender information provided by the applicant, the driver's license number, signature image, any language preference information collected, any phone number provided by the voter, any email address provided by the voter, and the date on which the application for voter registration or update was submitted. The secretary of state shall process the registrations and updates as an electronic application. If requested by the secretary of state, the department shall provide copies of the documents submitted to prove citizenship for an individual subject to this section.
RCW 29B.10.400 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 10 / Section 400
RCW 29B.10.400: Person.
Status: in_force

"Person" includes an individual, partnership, joint venture, public or private corporation, association, federal, state, or local governmental entity or agency however constituted, candidate, committee, political committee, political party, executive committee thereof, or any other organization or group of persons, however organized.
RCW 29A.72.230 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 72 / Section 230
RCW 29A.72.230: Petitions—Verification and canvass of signatures, observers—Statistical sampling—Initiatives to legislature, certification of.
Status: in_force

Upon the filing of an initiative or referendum petition, the secretary of state shall proceed to verify and canvass the names of the legal voters on the petition. The verification and canvass of signatures on the petition may be observed by persons representing the advocates and opponents of the proposed measure so long as they make no record of the names, addresses, or other information on the petitions or related records during the verification process except upon the order of the superior court of Thurston county. The secretary of state may limit the number of observers to not less than two on each side, if in his or her opinion, a greater number would cause undue delay or disruption of the verification process. Any such limitation shall apply equally to both sides. The secretary of state may use any statistical sampling techniques for this verification and canvass which have been adopted by rule as provided by chapter 34.05 RCW. No petition will be rejected on the basis of any statistical method employed, and no petition will be accepted on the basis of any statistical method employed if such method indicates that the petition contains fewer than the requisite number of signatures of legal voters. If the secretary of state finds the same name signed to more than one petition, he or she shall reject all but the first such valid signature. For an initiative to the legislature, the secretary of state shall transmit a certified copy of the proposed measure to the legislature at the opening of its session and, as soon as the signatures on the petition have been verified and canvassed, the secretary of state shall send to the legislature a certificate of the facts relating to the filing, verification, and canvass of the petition.
RCW 29B.10.100 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 10 / Section 100
RCW 29B.10.100: Caucus political committee.
Status: in_force

"Caucus political committee" means a political committee organized and maintained by the members of a major political party in the state senate or state house of representatives.
RCW 29A.36.115 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 36 / Section 115
RCW 29A.36.115: Provisional ballots.
Status: in_force

All provisional ballots must be visually distinguishable from other ballots and incapable of being tabulated by a voting system.
RCW 29A.04.210 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 04 / Section 210
RCW 29A.04.210: Registration required—Exception.
Status: in_force

Except for service and overseas voters, only persons registered to vote shall be permitted to vote: (1) At any election held for the purpose of electing persons to public office; (2) At any recall election of a public officer; (3) At any election held for the submission of a measure to any voting constituency; (4) At any primary election. This section does not apply to elections where being registered to vote is not a prerequisite to voting.
RCW 29A.08.625 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 08 / Section 625
RCW 29A.08.625: Voting by inactive or canceled voters.
Status: in_force

(1) A voter whose registration has been made inactive under this chapter and who requests to vote at an ensuing election before two federal general elections have been held must be allowed to vote a regular ballot applicable to the voter's current residence address, and the voter's registration record updated and restored to active status. (2) An eligible voter whose registration has been properly canceled under this chapter shall be allowed to register to vote at the voter's current residence address.
RCW 29A.56.360 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 56 / Section 360
RCW 29A.56.360: Slate of presidential electors.
Status: in_force

In a year in which the president and vice president of the United States are to be elected, the secretary of state shall include in the certification prepared under RCW 29A.52.321 the names of all candidates for president and vice president who, no later than the third Tuesday of August, have certified a slate of electors to the secretary of state under RCW 29A.56.320 and have been nominated either (1) by a major political party, as certified by the appropriate authority under party rules, or (2) by a minor party or as independent candidates. Major or minor political parties or independent presidential candidates may substitute a different candidate for vice president for the one whose name appears on the party's certification or nominating petition at any time before seventy-five days before the general election, by certifying the change to the secretary of state. Substitutions must not be permitted to delay the printing of either ballots or a voters' pamphlet. Substitutions are valid only if submitted under oath and signed by the same individual who originally certified the nomination, or his or her documented successor, and only if the substitute candidate consents in writing.
RCW 29A.32.270 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 32 / Section 270
RCW 29A.32.270: Cost.
Status: in_force

The cost of a local voters' pamphlet shall be considered an election cost to those local jurisdictions included in the pamphlet and shall be prorated in the manner provided in RCW 29A.04.410 .
RCW 29A.04.109 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 04 / Section 109
RCW 29A.04.109: Overseas voter.
Status: in_force

"Overseas voter" means any elector of the state of Washington outside the territorial limits of the United States.
RCW 29B.40.180 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 40 / Section 180
RCW 29B.40.180: Contributions on behalf of another.
Status: in_force

(1) A person, other than an individual, may not be an intermediary or an agent for a contribution. (2) An individual may not make a contribution on behalf of another person or entity, or while acting as the intermediary or agent of another person or entity, without disclosing to the recipient of the contribution both his or her full name, street address, occupation, name of employer, if any, or place of business if self-employed, and the same information for each contributor for whom the individual serves as intermediary or agent.
RCW 29A.36.121 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 36 / Section 121
RCW 29A.36.121: Order of positions or offices.
Status: in_force

(1) The positions or offices on a primary consolidated ballot shall be arranged in substantially the following order: 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; county officers; justices of the supreme court; judges of the court of appeals; judges of the superior court; and judges of the district court. For all other jurisdictions on the primary ballot, the offices in each jurisdiction shall be grouped together and be in the order of the position numbers assigned to those offices, if any. (2) The order of the positions or offices on a general election ballot shall be substantially the same as on a primary ballot except that state ballot issues must be placed before all offices. The offices of president and vice president of the United States shall precede all other offices on a presidential election ballot. The positions on a ballot to be assigned to ballot measures regarding local units of government shall be established by the secretary of state by rule.
RCW 29A.12.120 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 12 / Section 120
RCW 29A.12.120: Counting center personnel—Instruction, requirements.
Status: in_force

(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.
RCW 29A.92.130 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 92 / Section 130
RCW 29A.92.130: Award of fees.
Status: in_force

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(1) In any action to enforce this chapter, the court may allow the prevailing plaintiff or plaintiffs, other than the state or political subdivision thereof, reasonable attorneys' fees, all nonattorney fee costs as defined by RCW 4.84.010 , and all reasonable expert witness fees, including all such reasonable fees and costs incurred before filing the action. (2)(a) A prevailing plaintiff does not need to achieve relief or favorable judgment if the plaintiff demonstrates that they succeeded in altering the political subdivision's behavior to correct a claimed harm. (b) For purposes of this section, "altering the political subdivision's behavior" includes, but is not limited to, adopting a new method of electing a governing body, modifying district boundaries, or amending a voting rule or qualification. (3) Prevailing defendants may recover an award of fees or costs pursuant to RCW 4.84.185 .
RCW 29A.68.050 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 68 / Section 050
RCW 29A.68.050: Witnesses to attend—Hearing of contest—Judgment.
Status: in_force

The clerk shall issue subpoenas for witnesses in such contested election at the request of either party, which shall be served by the sheriff or constable, as other subpoenas, and the superior court shall have full power to issue attachments to compel the attendance of witnesses who shall have been duly subpoenaed to attend if they fail to do so. The court shall meet at the time and place designated to determine such contested election by the rules of law and evidence governing the determination of questions of law and fact, so far as the same may be applicable, and may dismiss the proceedings if the statement of the cause or causes of contest is insufficient, or for want of prosecution. After hearing the proofs and allegations of the parties, the court shall pronounce judgment in the premises, either confirming or annulling and setting aside such election, according to the law and right of the case. If in any such case it shall appear that another person than the one returned has the highest number of legal votes, said court shall declare such person duly elected. If in any such case it shall appear that the results of a measure are reversed, said court shall declare the change in result.
RCW 29A.84.311 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 84 / Section 311
RCW 29A.84.311: Candidacy declarations, nominating petitions.
Status: in_force

Every person who: (1) Knowingly provides false information on his or her declaration of candidacy or petition of nomination; or (2) Conceals or fraudulently defaces or destroys a certificate that has been filed with an elections officer under chapter 29A.20 RCW or a declaration of candidacy or petition of nomination that has been filed with an elections officer, or any part of such a certificate, declaration, or petition, is guilty of a class C felony punishable under RCW 9A.20.021 .
RCW 29A.72.050 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 72 / Section 050
RCW 29A.72.050: Ballot title—Formulation, ballot display.
Status: in_force

(1) The ballot title for an initiative to the people, an initiative to the legislature, a referendum bill, or a referendum measure consists of: (a) A statement of the subject of the measure; (b) a concise description of the measure; and (c) a question in the form prescribed in this section for the ballot measure in question. The statement of the subject of a measure must be sufficiently broad to reflect the subject of the measure, sufficiently precise to give notice of the measure's subject matter, and not exceed ten words. The concise description must contain no more than thirty words, be a true and impartial description of the measure's essential contents, clearly identify the proposition to be voted on, and not, to the extent reasonably possible, create prejudice either for or against the measure. (2) If a public investment impact disclosure is required under RCW 29A.72.027 , the disclosure must appear in the middle of the ballot title, after the concise description and before the question. The disclosure is not, however, considered part of the ballot title and is not subject to any of the legal requirements for ballot titles under this chapter. (3) For an initiative to the people, or for an initiative to the legislature for which the legislature has not proposed an alternative, the ballot title and public investment impact disclosure, if applicable, must be displayed on the ballot substantially as follows: "Initiative Measure No. . . . concerns (statement of subject). This measure would (concise description). (Public investment impact disclosure, if applicable). Should this measure be enacted into law? Yes . . . . □ No . . . . □ " (4) For an initiative to the legislature for which the legislature has proposed an alternative, the ballot title and public investment impact disclosure, if applicable, must be displayed on the ballot substantially as follows: "Initiative Measure Nos. . . . and . . .B concern (statement of subject). Initiative Measure No. . . . would (concise description). (Public investment impact disclosure, if applicable). As an alternative, the legislature has proposed Initiative Measure No. . . .B, which would (concise description). (Public investment impact disclosure, if applicable). 1. Should either of these measures be enacted into law? Yes . . . . □ No . . . . □ 2. Regardless of whether you voted yes or no above, if one of these measures is enacted, which one should it be? Measure No. . . . . □ or Measure No. . . . . □ " (5) For a referendum bill submitted to the people by the legislature, the ballot issue and public investment impact disclosure, if applicable, must be displayed on the ballot substantially as follows: "The legislature has passed . . . . Bill No. . . . concerning (statement of subject). This bill would (concise description). (Public investment impact disclosure, if applicable). Should this bill be: Approved . . . . □ Rejected . . . . □ " (6) For a referendum measure by state voters on a bill the legislature has passed, the ballot issue and public investment impact disclosure, if applicable, must be displayed on the ballot substantially as follows: "The legislature passed . . . Bill No. . . . concerning (statement of subject) and voters have filed a sufficient referendum petition on this bill. This bill would (concise description). (Public investment impact disclosure, if applicable). Should this bill be: Approved . . . . □ Rejected . . . . □ " (7) The legislature may specify the statement of subject or concise description, or both, in a referendum bill that it refers to the people. The legislature may specify the concise description for an alternative it submits for an initiative to the legislature. If the legislature fails to specify these matters, the attorney general shall prepare the material that was not specified. The statement of subject and concise description as so provided must be included as part of the ballot title unless changed on appeal. The attorney general shall specify the statement of subject and concise description for an initiative to the people, an initiative to the legislature, and a referendum measure. The statement of subject and concise description as so provided must be included as part of the ballot title unless changed on appeal.
RCW 29A.04.440 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 04 / Section 440
RCW 29A.04.440: Election account.
Status: in_force

(1) The election account is created in the state treasury. (2) The following receipts must be deposited into the account: Amounts received from the federal government under Public Law 107-252 (October 29, 2002), known as the "Help America Vote Act of 2002," including any amounts received under subsequent amendments to the act; amounts appropriated or otherwise made available by the state legislature for the purposes of carrying out activities for which federal funds are provided to the state under Public Law 107-252, including any amounts received under subsequent amendments to the act; and such other amounts as may be appropriated by the legislature to the account. (3) Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may be made only to facilitate the implementation of Public Law 107-252.
RCW 29B.40.250 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 40 / Section 250
RCW 29B.40.250: Use of public funds for political purposes.
Status: in_force

Public funds, whether derived through taxes, fees, penalties, or any other sources, shall not be used to finance political campaigns for state or school district office. A county, city, town, or district that establishes a program to publicly finance local political campaigns may only use funds derived from local sources to fund the program. A local government must submit any proposal for public financing of local political campaigns to voters for their adoption and approval or rejection.
RCW 29B.40.080 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 40 / Section 080
RCW 29B.40.080: Expenditures—Authorization of and restrictions on.
Status: in_force

No expenditures may be made or incurred by any candidate or political committee unless authorized by the candidate or the person or persons named on the candidate's or committee's registration form. A record of all such expenditures shall be maintained by the treasurer. No expenditure of more than fifty dollars may be made in currency unless a receipt, signed by the recipient and by the candidate or treasurer, is prepared and made a part of the campaign's or political committee's financial records.
RCW 29B.25.050 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 25 / Section 050
RCW 29B.25.050: Depositories.
Status: in_force

Each candidate and each political committee shall designate and file with the commission the name and address of not more than one depository for each county in which the campaign is conducted in which the candidate's or political committee's accounts are maintained and the name of the account or accounts maintained in that depository on behalf of the candidate or political committee. The candidate or political committee may at any time change the designated depository and shall file with the commission the same information for the successor depository as for the original depository. The candidate or political committee may not be deemed in compliance with the provisions of this title until the information required for the depository is filed with the commission.
RCW 29B.50.030 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 50 / Section 030
RCW 29B.50.030: Photograph and information—Publication.
Status: in_force

Each lobbyist shall at the time the lobbyist registers submit electronically to the commission a recent photograph of the lobbyist of a size and format as determined by rule of the commission, together with the name of the lobbyist's employer, the length of the lobbyist's employment as a lobbyist before the legislature, a brief biographical description, and any other information the lobbyist may wish to submit not to exceed 50 words in length. The photograph, information, and attestation submitted under RCW 29B.50.010 (1)(j) shall be published by the commission on its website.
RCW 29A.56.084 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 56 / Section 084
RCW 29A.56.084: Pledge by electors.
Status: in_force

Each elector nominee and alternate elector nominee of a political party shall execute the following pledge: "If selected for the position of elector, I agree to serve and to mark my ballots for president and vice president for the nominees for those offices of the party that nominated me." Each elector nominee and alternate elector nominee of an unaffiliated presidential candidate shall execute the following pledge: "If selected for the position of elector as a nominee of an unaffiliated presidential candidate, I agree to serve and to mark my ballots for that candidate and for that candidate's vice presidential running mate." The executed pledges must accompany the submission of the corresponding names to the secretary of state.
RCW 29A.68.020 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 68 / Section 020
RCW 29A.68.020: Commencement by registered voter—Causes for.
Status: in_force

Any of the following causes may be asserted by a registered voter to challenge the right to assume office of a candidate declared elected to that office, to challenge the right of a candidate to appear on the general election ballot after a primary, or to challenge certification of the result of an election on any measure: (1) For misconduct on the part of any election officer involved therein; (2) Because the person whose right is being contested was not, at the time the person was declared elected, eligible to that office; (3) Because the person whose right is being contested was, previous to the election, convicted of a felony by a court of competent jurisdiction, the conviction not having been reversed nor the person's civil rights restored after the conviction; (4) Because the person whose right is being contested gave a bribe or reward to a voter or to an election officer for the purpose of procuring the election, or offered to do so; (5) On account of illegal votes. (a) Illegal votes include but are not limited to the following: (i) More than one vote cast by a single voter; (ii) A vote cast by a person disqualified under Article VI, section 3 of the state Constitution. (b) Illegal votes do not include votes cast by improperly registered voters who were not properly challenged under RCW 29A.08.810 and 29A.08.820 . All election contests must proceed under RCW 29A.68.011 or 29A.68.013 .
RCW 29B.60.080 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 60 / Section 080
RCW 29B.60.080: Public disclosure transparency account.
Status: in_force

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The public disclosure transparency account is created in the state treasury. All receipts from penalties collected pursuant to enforcement actions or settlements under this title, including any fees or costs, must be deposited into the account. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Moneys in the account may be used only for the implementation of chapter 304, Laws of 2018 and duties under this title, and may not be used to supplant general fund appropriations to the commission.
RCW 29A.04.510 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 04 / Section 510
RCW 29A.04.510: Election administration and certification board—Generally.
Status: in_force

(1) The Washington state election administration and certification board is established and has the responsibilities and authorities prescribed by this chapter. The board is composed of the following members: (a) The secretary of state or the secretary's designee; (b) The state director of elections or the director's designee; (c) Four county auditors appointed by the Washington state association of county auditors or their alternates who are county auditors designated by the association to serve as such alternates, each appointee and alternate to serve at the pleasure of the association; (d) One member from each of the two largest political party caucuses of the house of representatives designated by and serving at the pleasure of the legislative leader of the respective caucus; (e) One member from each of the two largest political party caucuses of the senate designated by and serving at the pleasure of the legislative leader of the respective caucus; and (f) One representative from each major political party, designated by and serving at the pleasure of the chair of the party's state central committee. (2) The board shall elect a chair from among its number; however, neither the secretary of state nor the state director of elections nor their designees may serve as the chair of the board. A majority of the members appointed to the board constitutes a quorum for conducting the business of the board. Chapter 42.30 RCW, the Open Public Meetings Act, and RCW 42.30.035 regarding minutes of meetings, apply to the meetings of the board. (3) Members of the board shall serve without compensation. The secretary of state shall reimburse members of the board, other than those who are members of the legislature, for travel expenses in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 . Members of the board who are members of the legislature shall be reimbursed as provided in chapter 44.04 RCW.
RCW 29B.60.060 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 60 / Section 060
RCW 29B.60.060: Citizen's action.
Status: in_force

(1) A person who has reason to believe that a provision of this title is being or has been violated may bring a citizen's action in the name of the state, in accordance with the procedures of this section. (2) A citizen's action may be brought and prosecuted only if the person first has filed a complaint with the commission and: (a) The commission has not taken action authorized under RCW 29B.60.020 (1) within 90 days of the complaint being filed with the commission, and the person who initially filed the complaint with the commission provided written notice to the attorney general in accordance with RCW 29B.60.020 (5) and the attorney general has not commenced an action, or published a decision whether to commence action pursuant to RCW 29B.60.040 (1)(b), within 45 days of receiving the notice; (b) For matters referred to the attorney general within 90 days of the commission receiving the complaint, the attorney general has not commenced an action, or published a decision whether to commence an action pursuant to RCW 29B.60.040 (1)(b), within 45 days of receiving referral from the commission; and (c) The person who initially filed the complaint with the commission has provided notice of a citizen's action in accordance with subsection (3) of this section and the commission or the attorney general has not commenced action within the 10 days provided under subsection (3) of this section. (3) To initiate the citizen's action, after meeting the requirements under subsection (2) (a) and (b) of this section, a person must notify the attorney general and the commission that the person will commence a citizen's action within 10 days if the commission does not take action authorized under RCW 29B.60.020 (1), or the attorney general does not commence an action or publish a decision whether to commence an action pursuant to RCW 29B.60.040 (1)(b). The attorney general and the commission must notify the other of its decision whether to commence an action. (4) The citizen's action must be commenced within two years after the date when the alleged violation occurred and may not be commenced against a committee or incidental committee before the end of such period if the committee or incidental committee has received an acknowledgment of dissolution. (5) If the person who brings the citizen's action prevails, the judgment awarded shall escheat to the state, but he or she shall be entitled to be reimbursed by the state for reasonable costs and reasonable attorneys' fees the person incurred. In the case of a citizen's action that is dismissed and that the court also finds was brought without reasonable cause, the court may order the person commencing the action to pay all trial costs and reasonable attorneys' fees incurred by the defendant.
RCW 29A.56.480 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 56 / Section 480
RCW 29A.56.480: Election of delegates—Ballots.
Status: in_force

The issue shall be identified as, "Delegates to a convention for ratification or rejection of a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution, relating . . . . . . . . . . . (stating briefly the substance of amendment proposed for adoption or rejection)." The names of all candidates who have filed in a district shall be printed on the ballots for that district in two separate groups under the headings, "For the amendment" and "Against the amendment." The names of the candidates in each group shall be printed in alphabetical order.
RCW 29A.12.060 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 12 / Section 060
RCW 29A.12.060: Maintenance and operation.
Status: in_force

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.
RCW 29A.60.150 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 60 / Section 150
RCW 29A.60.150: Procedure when member a candidate.
Status: in_force

The members of the county canvassing board may not include individuals who are candidates for an office to be voted upon at the primary or election. If no individual is available to serve on the canvassing board who is not a candidate at the primary or election the individual who is a candidate must not make decisions regarding the determination of a voter's intent with respect to a vote cast for that specific office; the decision must be made by the other two members of the board. If the two disagree, the vote must not be counted unless the number of those votes could affect the result of the primary or election, in which case the secretary of state or a designee shall make the decision on those votes. This section does not restrict participation in decisions as to the acceptance or rejection of entire ballots, unless the office in question is the only one for which the voter cast a vote.
RCW 29A.72.060 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 72 / Section 060
RCW 29A.72.060: Ballot title and summary by attorney general.
Status: in_force

Within five days after the receipt of an initiative or referendum the attorney general shall formulate the ballot title, or portion of the ballot title that the legislature has not provided, required by RCW 29A.72.050 and a summary of the measure, not to exceed seventy-five words, and transmit the serial number for the measure, complete ballot title, and summary to the secretary of state. Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays are not counted in calculating the time limits in this section.
RCW 29B.50.010 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 50 / Section 010
RCW 29B.50.010: Registration of lobbyists.
Status: in_force

(1) Before lobbying, or within 30 days after being employed as a lobbyist, whichever occurs first, unless exempt under RCW 29B.50.040 , a lobbyist shall register by filing with the commission a lobbyist registration statement, in such detail as the commission shall prescribe, that includes the following information: (a) The lobbyist's name, permanent business address, electronic contact information, and any temporary residential and business addresses in Thurston county during the legislative session; (b) The name, address and occupation or business of the lobbyist's employer; (c) The duration of the lobbyist's employment; (d) The compensation to be received for lobbying, the amount to be paid for expenses, and what expenses are to be reimbursed; (e) Whether the lobbyist is employed solely as a lobbyist or whether the lobbyist is a regular employee performing services for the lobbyist's employer which include but are not limited to the influencing of legislation; (f) The general subject or subjects to be lobbied; (g) A written authorization from each of the lobbyist's employers confirming such employment; (h) The name, address, and electronic contact information of the person who will have custody of the accounts, bills, receipts, books, papers, and documents required to be kept under this title; (i) If the lobbyist's employer is an entity (including, but not limited to, business and trade associations) whose members include, or which as a representative entity undertakes lobbying activities for, businesses, groups, associations, or organizations, the name and address of each member of such entity or person represented by such entity whose fees, dues, payments, or other consideration paid to such entity during either of the prior two years have exceeded *five hundred dollars or who is obligated to or has agreed to pay fees, dues, payments, or other consideration exceeding *five hundred dollars to such entity during the current year; (j) An attestation that the lobbyist has read and completed a training course provided under RCW 44.04.390 regarding the legislative code of conduct and any policies related to appropriate conduct adopted by the senate or the house of representatives. (2) Any lobbyist who receives or is to receive compensation from more than one person for lobbying shall file a separate notice of representation for each person. However, if two or more persons are jointly paying or contributing to the payment of the lobbyist, the lobbyist may file a single statement detailing the name, business address, and occupation of each person paying or contributing and the respective amounts to be paid or contributed. (3) Whenever a change, modification, or termination of the lobbyist's employment occurs, the lobbyist shall file with the commission an amended registration statement within one week of the change, modification, or termination. (4) Each registered lobbyist shall file a new registration statement, revised as appropriate, on the second Monday in January of each odd-numbered year. Failure to do so terminates the lobbyist's registration.
RCW 29A.72.028 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 72 / Section 028
RCW 29A.72.028: Public investment impact disclosures—Appeal to superior court.
Status: in_force

Any persons, including either or both houses of the legislature, dissatisfied with the public investment impact disclosure for a state initiative or referendum may, within three days from the filing of the public investment impact disclosure in the office of the secretary of state, appeal to the superior court of Thurston county by petition setting forth the measure, the public investment impact disclosure, and their objections to the public investment impact disclosure and requesting amendment of the public investment impact disclosure by the court. Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays are not counted in calculating the time limits contained in this section. A copy of the petition on appeal together with a notice that an appeal has been taken shall be served upon the secretary of state, upon the attorney general, and upon the person proposing the measure if the appeal is initiated by someone other than that person. Upon the filing of the petition on appeal or at the time to which the hearing may be adjourned by consent of the appellant, the court shall accord first priority to examining the proposed measure, the public investment impact disclosure, and the objections to that public investment impact disclosure, may hear arguments, and shall, within five days, render its decision and file with the secretary of state a certified copy of such public investment impact disclosure as it determines will meet the requirements of RCW 29A.72.027 . The decision of the superior court shall be final. Such appeal shall be heard without costs to either party.
RCW 29A.04.611 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 04 / Section 611
RCW 29A.04.611: Rules by secretary of state.
Status: in_force

The secretary of state as chief election officer shall make reasonable rules in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW not inconsistent with the federal and state election laws to effectuate any provision of this title and to facilitate the execution of its provisions in an orderly, timely, and uniform manner relating to any federal, state, county, city, town, and district elections. To that end the secretary shall assist local election officers by devising uniform forms and procedures. In addition to the rule-making authority granted otherwise by this section, the secretary of state shall make rules governing the following provisions: (1) The maintenance of voter registration records; (2) The preparation, maintenance, distribution, review, and filing of precinct maps; (3) Standards for the design, layout, and production of ballots; (4) The examination and testing of voting systems for certification; (5) The source and scope of independent evaluations of voting systems that may be relied upon in certifying voting systems for use in this state; (6) Standards and procedures for the acceptance testing of voting systems by counties; (7) Standards and procedures for testing the programming of vote tallying software for specific primaries and elections; (8) Standards and procedures for the preparation and use of each type of certified voting system including procedures for the operation of counting centers where vote tallying systems are used; (9) Standards and procedures to ensure the accurate tabulation and canvassing of ballots; (10) Consistency among the counties of the state in the preparation of ballots, the operation of vote tallying systems, and the canvassing of primaries and elections; (11) Procedures to ensure the secrecy of a voter's ballot when a small number of ballots are counted; (12) The use of substitute devices or means of voting when a voting device is found to be defective, the counting of votes cast on the defective device, the counting of votes cast on the substitute device, and the documentation that must be submitted to the county auditor regarding such circumstances; (13) Procedures for the transportation of sealed containers of voted ballots or sealed voting devices; (14) The acceptance and filing of documents via electronic transmission; (15) Voter registration applications and records; (16) The use of voter registration information in the conduct of elections; (17) The coordination, delivery, and processing of voter registration records accepted by driver licensing agents or the department of licensing; (18) The coordination, delivery, and processing of voter registration records accepted by agencies designated by the governor to provide voter registration services; (19) Procedures to receive and distribute voter registration applications by mail; (20) Procedures for a voter to change his or her voter registration address within a county by telephone; (21) Procedures for a voter to change the name under which he or she is registered to vote; (22) Procedures for canceling dual voter registration records and for maintaining records of persons whose voter registrations have been canceled; (23) Procedures for the electronic transfer of voter registration records between county auditors and the office of the secretary of state; (24) Procedures and forms related to automatic voter registration; (25) Procedures and forms for declarations of candidacy; (26) Procedures and requirements for the acceptance and filing of declarations of candidacy by electronic means; (27) Procedures for the circumstance in which two or more candidates have a name similar in sound or spelling so as to cause confusion for the voter; (28) Filing for office; (29) The order of positions and offices on a ballot; (30) Sample ballots; (31) Independent evaluations of voting systems and the testing, approval, and certification of voting systems; (32) The testing of vote tallying software programming; (33) Standards and procedures to prevent fraud and to facilitate the accurate processing and canvassing of ballots, including standards for the approval and implementation of hardware and software for automated signature verification systems; (34) Standards and procedures to guarantee the secrecy of ballots; (35) Uniformity among the counties of the state in the conduct of elections; (36) Standards and procedures to accommodate overseas voters and service voters; (37) The tabulation of paper ballots; (38) The accessibility of voting centers; (39) The aggregation of precinct results if reporting the results of a single precinct could jeopardize the secrecy of a person's ballot; (40) Procedures for conducting a statutory recount; (41) Procedures for filling vacancies in congressional offices if the general statutory time requirements for availability of ballots, certification, canvassing, and related procedures cannot be met; (42) Procedures for the statistical sampling of signatures for purposes of verifying and canvassing signatures on initiative, referendum, and recall election petitions; (43) Standards and deadlines for submitting material to the office of the secretary of state for the voters' pamphlet; (44) Deadlines for the filing of ballot titles for referendum bills and constitutional amendments if none have been provided by the legislature; (45) Procedures for the publication of a state voters' pamphlet; (46) Procedures for conducting special elections regarding nuclear waste sites if the general statutory time requirements for availability of ballots, certification, canvassing, and related procedures cannot be met; (47) Procedures for conducting partisan primary elections; (48) Standards and procedures for the proper conduct of voting on accessible voting devices; (49) Standards for voting technology and systems used by the state or any political subdivision to be accessible for individuals with disabilities, including nonvisual accessibility for the blind and visually impaired, in a manner that provides the same opportunity for access and participation, including privacy and independence, as other voters; (50) All data formats for transferring voter registration data on electronic or machine-readable media for the purpose of administering the statewide voter registration list required by the Help America Vote Act (P.L. 107-252); (51) Defining the interaction of electronic voter registration election management systems employed by each county auditor to maintain a local copy of each county's portion of the official state list of registered voters; (52) Provisions and procedures to implement the state-based administrative complaint procedure as required by the Help America Vote Act (P.L. 107-252); (53) Facilitating the payment of local government grants to local government election officers or vendors; and (54) Standards for the verification of signatures on ballot declarations.
RCW 29B.20.050 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 20 / Section 050
RCW 29B.20.050: Revising monetary contribution limits, reporting thresholds, and code values.
Status: in_force

At least once every five years, but no more often than every two years, the commission must consider whether to revise the monetary contribution limits and reporting thresholds and code values of this title. If the commission chooses to make revisions, the revisions shall be only for the purpose of recognizing economic changes as reflected by an inflationary index recommended by the office of financial management, and may be rounded off to amounts as determined by the commission to be most accessible for public understanding. The revisions shall be guided by the change in the index for the period commencing with the month of December preceding the last revision and concluding with the month of December preceding the month the revision is adopted. As to each of the three general categories of this title, reports of campaign finance, reports of lobbyist activity, and reports of the financial affairs of elected and appointed officials, the revisions shall equally affect all thresholds within each category. The revisions authorized by this subsection shall reflect economic changes from the time of the last legislative enactment affecting the respective code or threshold. Revisions made in accordance with this section shall be adopted as rules in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW.
RCW 29A.56.340 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 56 / Section 340
RCW 29A.56.340: Time and place of meeting.
Status: in_force

The electors of the president and vice president shall convene at the seat of government on the day fixed by federal statute, at the hour of twelve o'clock noon of that day.
RCW 29A.60.090 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 60 / Section 090
RCW 29A.60.090: Voting systems—Maintenance of documents.
Status: in_force

In counties using voting systems, the county auditor shall maintain the following documents for at least sixty days after the primary or election: (1) Sample ballot formats together with a record of the format or formats assigned to each precinct; (2) All programming material related to the control of the vote tallying system for that primary or election; and (3) All test materials used to verify the accuracy of the tabulating equipment as required by RCW 29A.12.130 .
RCW 29A.68.090 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 68 / Section 090
RCW 29A.68.090: Illegal votes—Allegation of.
Status: in_force

When the reception of illegal votes is alleged as a cause of contest, it is sufficient to state generally that illegal votes were cast, that, if given to the person whose election is contested, or to the winning choice for a measure, in the specified precinct or precincts, will, if taken from that person, or winning choice for a measure, reduce the number of the person's legal votes below the number of legal votes given to some other person for the same office or reverse the outcome of the measure.
RCW 29B.25.090 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 25 / Section 090
RCW 29B.25.090: Reporting of contributions and expenditures—Public inspection of accounts.
Status: in_force

(1)(a) In addition to the information required under RCW 29B.25.020 and 29B.25.040 , each candidate or political committee must file with the commission a report of all contributions received and expenditures made as a political committee on the next reporting date pursuant to the timeline established in this section. (b) In addition to the information required under RCW 29B.25.030 and 29B.25.040 , on the day an incidental committee files a statement of organization with the commission, each incidental committee must file with the commission a report of any election campaign expenditures under RCW 29B.25.100 (7), as well as the source of the 10 largest cumulative payments of ten thousand dollars or greater it received in the current calendar year from a single person, including any persons tied as the 10th largest source of payments it received, if any. (2) Each treasurer of a candidate or political committee, or an incidental committee, required to file a statement of organization under this title, shall file with the commission a report, for each election in which a candidate, political committee, or incidental committee is participating, containing the information required by RCW 29B.25.100 at the following intervals: (a) On the 21st day and the seventh day immediately preceding the date on which the election is held; and (b) On the 10th day of the first full month after the election. (3)(a) Each treasurer of a candidate or political committee shall file with the commission a report on the 10th day of each month during which the candidate or political committee is not participating in an election campaign, only if the committee has received a contribution or made an expenditure in the preceding calendar month and either the total contributions received or total expenditures made since the last such report exceed two hundred dollars. (b) Each incidental committee shall file with the commission a report on the 10th day of each month during which the incidental committee is not otherwise required to report under this section only if the committee has: (i) Received a payment that would change the information required under RCW 29B.25.100 (2)(d) as included in its last report; or (ii) Made any election campaign expenditure reportable under RCW 29B.25.100 (7) since its last report, and the total election campaign expenditures made since the last report exceed two hundred dollars. (4) The report filed 21 days before the election shall report all contributions received and expenditures made as of the end of one business day before the date of the report. The report filed seven days before the election shall report all contributions received and expenditures made as of the end of one business day before the date of the report. Reports filed on the 10th day of the month shall report all contributions received and expenditures made from the closing date of the last report filed through the last day of the month preceding the date of the current report. (5) For the period beginning the first day of the fourth month preceding the date of the special election, or for the period beginning the first day of the fifth month before the date of the general election, and ending on the date of that special or general election, each Monday the treasurer for a candidate or a political committee shall file with the commission a report of each bank deposit made during the previous seven calendar days. The report shall contain the name of each person contributing the funds and the amount contributed by each person. However, persons who contribute no more than twenty-five dollars in the aggregate are not required to be identified in the report. A copy of the report shall be retained by the treasurer for the treasurer's records. In the event of deposits made by candidates, political committee members, or paid staff other than the treasurer, the copy shall be immediately provided to the treasurer for the treasurer's records. Each report shall be certified as correct by the treasurer. (6)(a) The treasurer for a candidate or a political committee shall maintain books of account accurately reflecting all contributions and expenditures on a current basis within five business days of receipt or expenditure. During the 10 calendar days immediately preceding the date of the election the books of account shall be kept current within one business day. As specified in the political committee's statement of organization filed under RCW 29B.25.020 , the books of account must be open for public inspection by appointment at a place agreed upon by both the treasurer and the requestor, for inspections between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on any day from the 10th calendar day immediately before the election through the day immediately before the election, other than Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday. It is a violation of this title for a candidate or political committee to refuse to allow and keep an appointment for an inspection to be conducted during these authorized times and days. The appointment must be allowed at an authorized time and day for such inspections that is within 48 hours of the time and day that is requested for the inspection. The treasurer may provide digital access or copies of the books of account in lieu of scheduling an appointment at a designated place for inspection. If the treasurer and requestor are unable to agree on a location and the treasurer has not provided digital access to the books of account, the default location for an appointment shall be a place of public accommodation selected by the treasurer within a reasonable distance from the treasurer's office. (b) At the time of making the appointment, a person wishing to inspect the books of account must provide the treasurer the name and telephone number of the person wishing to inspect the books of account. The person inspecting the books of account must show photo identification before the inspection begins. (c) A treasurer may refuse to show the books of account to any person who does not make an appointment or provide the required identification. The commission may issue limited rules to modify the requirements set forth in this section in consideration of other technology and best practices. (7) Copies of all reports filed pursuant to this section shall be readily available for public inspection by appointment, pursuant to subsection (6) of this section. (8) The treasurer or candidate shall preserve books of account, bills, receipts, and all other financial records of the campaign or political committee for not less than five calendar years following the year during which the transaction occurred or for any longer period as otherwise required by law. (9) All reports filed pursuant to subsection (1) or (2) of this section shall be certified as correct by the candidate and the treasurer. (10) Where there is not a pending complaint concerning a report, it is not evidence of a violation of this section to submit an amended report within 21 days of filing an initial report if: (a) The report is accurately amended; (b) The amended report is filed more than 30 days before an election; (c) The total aggregate dollar amount of the adjustment for the amended report is within three times the contribution limit per election or two hundred dollars, whichever is greater; and (d) The committee reported all information that was available to it at the time of filing, or made a good faith effort to do so, or if a refund of a contribution or expenditure is being reported. (11)(a) When there is no outstanding debt or obligation, the campaign fund is closed, the campaign is concluded in all respects, and the political committee has ceased to function and intends to dissolve, the treasurer shall file a final report. Upon submitting a final report, the political committee so intending to dissolve must file notice of intent to dissolve with the commission and the commission must post the notice on its website. (b) Any political committee may dissolve 60 days after it files its notice to dissolve, only if: (i) The political committee does not make any expenditures other than those related to the dissolution process or engage in any political activity or any other activities that generate additional reporting requirements under this title after filing such notice; (ii) No complaint or court action under this title is pending against the political committee; and (iii) All penalties assessed by the commission or court order have been paid by the political committee. (c) The political committee must continue to report regularly as required under this title until all the conditions under (b) of this subsection are resolved. (d) Upon dissolution, the commission must issue an acknowledgment of dissolution, the duties of the treasurer shall cease, and there shall be no further obligations under this title. Dissolution does not absolve the candidate or board of the committee from responsibility for any future obligations resulting from the finding after dissolution of a violation committed prior to dissolution. (12) The commission must adopt rules for the dissolution of incidental committees.
RCW 29B.60.030 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 60 / Section 030
RCW 29B.60.030: Procedure upon petition for enforcement of order of commission—Court's order of enforcement.
Status: in_force

The following procedure shall apply in all cases where the commission has petitioned a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of any order it has issued pursuant to this title: (1) A copy of the petition shall be served by certified mail directed to the respondent at his or her last known address. The court shall issue an order directing the respondent to appear at a time designated in the order, not less than five days from the date thereof, and show cause why the commission's order should not be enforced according to its terms. (2) The commission's order shall be enforced by the court if the respondent does not appear, or if the respondent appears and the court finds, pursuant to a hearing held for that purpose: (a) That the commission's order is unsatisfied; (b) That the order is regular on its face; and (c) That the respondent's answer discloses no valid reason why the commission's order should not be enforced or that the respondent had an appropriate remedy by review under RCW 34.05.570 (3) and failed to avail himself or herself of that remedy without valid excuse. (3) Upon appropriate application by the respondent, the court may, after hearing and for good cause, alter, amend, revise, suspend, or postpone all or part of the commission's order. In any case where the order is not enforced by the court according to its terms, the reasons for the court's actions shall be clearly stated in writing, and the action shall be subject to review by the appellate courts by certiorari or other appropriate proceeding. (4) The court's order of enforcement, when entered, shall have the same force and effect as a civil judgment. (5) Notwithstanding RCW 34.05.578 through 34.05.590 , this section is the exclusive method for enforcing an order of the commission.
RCW 29A.40.160 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 40 / Section 160
RCW 29A.40.160: Voting centers.
Status: in_force

(1) Each county auditor shall open a voting center each primary, special election if the county is conducting an election, and general election. The voting center shall be open during business hours during the voting period, which begins eighteen days before, and ends at 8:00 p.m. on the day of, the primary, special election if the county is conducting an election, or general election. (2) Each county auditor shall open a voting center at each of the following locations in the county: (a) At the county auditor's office or at the division of elections that is in a separate location from the county auditor's office; and (b) For each presidential general election, in each city in the county with a population of one hundred thousand or greater which does not have a voting center as required in (a) of this subsection. A voting center opened pursuant to this subsection (2) is not required to be open on the Sunday before the presidential election. (3) Voting centers shall be located in public buildings or buildings that are leased by a public entity including, but not limited to, libraries. (4) Each voting center, and at least one of the other locations designated by the county auditor to allow voters to register in person pursuant to RCW 29A.08.140 (1)(b), must provide voter registration materials, ballots, provisional ballots, disability access voting units, sample ballots, instructions on how to properly vote the ballot, a ballot drop box, and voters' pamphlets, if a voters' pamphlet has been published. (5) Each voting center must be accessible to persons with disabilities. Each state agency and entity of local government shall permit the use of any of its accessible facilities as voting centers when requested by a county auditor. (6) Each voting center must provide at least one voting unit certified by the secretary of state that provides access to individuals who are blind or visually impaired, enabling them to vote with privacy and independence. (7) No person may interfere with a voter attempting to vote in a voting center. Interfering with a voter attempting to vote is a violation of RCW 29A.84.510 . The county auditor shall designate by administrative rule a specific point or points as the entrance to each voting center, taking into account the unique attributes of the voting center, to assure that voters have the ability to arrive and depart unimpeded. (8) No person may interfere with the operation of a voting center. Interfering with the operation of a voting center is a violation of RCW 29A.84.510 . This prohibition includes unauthorized access or handling of ballots, and unauthorized access to any voting equipment or election systems. Unauthorized access includes elected officials and county staff accessing systems in any manner not required by their job function. (9) Before opening the voting center, the voting equipment shall be inspected to determine if it has been properly prepared for voting. If the voting equipment is capable of direct tabulation of each voter's choices, the county auditor shall verify that no votes have been registered for any issue or office, and that the device has been sealed with a unique numbered seal at the time of final preparation and logic and accuracy testing. A log must be made of all device numbers and seal numbers. (10) The county auditor shall require any person desiring to vote at a voting center to either sign a ballot declaration or provide identification. (a) The signature on the declaration must be compared to the signature on the voter registration record before the ballot may be counted. If the voter registered using a mark, or can no longer sign the voter's name, the election officers shall require the voter to be identified by another registered voter. (b) The identification must be valid photo identification, such as a driver's license, state identification card, student identification card, tribal identification card, or employer identification card. A tribal identification card is not required to include a residential address or an expiration date to be considered valid under this section. Any individual who desires to vote in person but cannot provide identification shall be issued a provisional ballot, which shall be accepted if the signature on the declaration matches the signature on the voter's registration record. (11) Provisional ballots must be accompanied by a declaration and security envelope, as required by RCW 29A.40.091 , and space for the voter's name, date of birth, current and former registered address, reason for the provisional ballot, and disposition of the provisional ballot. The voter shall vote and return the provisional ballot at the voting center. The voter must be provided information on how to ascertain whether the provisional ballot was counted and, if applicable, the reason why the vote was not counted. (12) Any voter may take printed or written material into the voting device to assist in casting votes. The voter shall not use this material to electioneer and shall remove it when leaving the voting center. (13) If any voter states that the voter is unable to cast a vote due to a disability, the voter may designate a person of the voter's choice, or two election officers, to enter the voting booth and record the votes as the voter directs. (14) No voter is entitled to vote more than once at a primary, special election, or general election. If a voter incorrectly marks a ballot, the voter may be issued a replacement ballot. (15) A voter who has already returned a ballot but requests to vote at a voting center shall be issued a provisional ballot. The canvassing board shall not count the provisional ballot if it finds that the voter has also voted a regular ballot in that primary, special election, or general election. (16) Any voter who is inside or in line at the voting center at 8:00 p.m. on the day of the primary, special election, or general election must be allowed to vote. (17) For each primary, special election, and general election, the county auditor may provide election services at locations in addition to the voting center. The county auditor has discretion to establish which services will be provided at the additional locations, and which days and hours the locations will be open.
RCW 29A.04.037 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 04 / Section 037
RCW 29A.04.037: Disabled voter.
Status: in_force

"Disabled voter" means any registered voter who qualifies for special parking privileges under RCW 46.19.010 , or who is defined as blind under RCW 74.18.020 , or who qualifies to require assistance with voting under RCW 29A.40.160 .
RCW 29A.56.110 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 56 / Section 110
RCW 29A.56.110: Initiating proceedings—Statement—Contents—Verification—Definitions.
Status: in_force

Whenever any legal voter of the state or of any political subdivision thereof, either individually or on behalf of an organization, desires to demand the recall and discharge of any elective public officer of the state or of such political subdivision, as the case may be, under the provisions of sections 33 and 34 of Article 1 of the Constitution, the voter shall prepare a typewritten charge, reciting that such officer, naming him or her and giving the title of the office, has committed an act or acts of malfeasance, or an act or acts of misfeasance while in office, or has violated the oath of office, or has been guilty of any two or more of the acts specified in the Constitution as grounds for recall. The charge shall state the act or acts complained of in concise language, give a detailed description including the approximate date, location, and nature of each act complained of, be signed by the person or persons making the charge, give their respective post office addresses, and be verified under oath that the person or persons believe the charge or charges to be true and have knowledge of the alleged facts upon which the stated grounds for recall are based. For the purposes of this chapter: (1) "Misfeasance" or "malfeasance" in office means any wrongful conduct that affects, interrupts, or interferes with the performance of official duty; (a) Additionally, "misfeasance" in office means the performance of a duty in an improper manner; and (b) Additionally, "malfeasance" in office means the commission of an unlawful act; (2) "Violation of the oath of office" means the neglect or knowing failure by an elective public officer to perform faithfully a duty imposed by law.
RCW 29B.35.010 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 35 / Section 010
RCW 29B.35.010: Action by candidate for relief and damages—Defenses.
Status: in_force

(1) For purposes of this section "synthetic media" means an image, an audio recording, or a video recording of an individual's appearance, speech, or conduct that has been intentionally manipulated with the use of generative adversarial network techniques or other digital technology in a manner to create a realistic but false image, audio, or video that produces: (a) A depiction that to a reasonable individual is of a real individual in appearance, action, or speech that did not actually occur in reality; and (b) A fundamentally different understanding or impression of the appearance, action, or speech than a reasonable person would have from the unaltered, original version of the image, audio recording, or video recording. (2) A candidate whose appearance, action, or speech is altered through the use of a synthetic media in an electioneering communication may seek injunctive or other equitable relief prohibiting the publication of such synthetic media. (3) A candidate whose appearance, action, or speech is altered through the use of a synthetic media in an electioneering communication may bring an action for general or special damages against the sponsor. The court may also award a prevailing party reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. This subsection does not limit or preclude a plaintiff from securing or recovering any other available remedy. (4) It is an affirmative defense for any action brought under this section that the electioneering communication containing a synthetic media includes a disclosure stating, "This (image/video/audio) has been manipulated," in the following manner: (a) For visual media, the text of the disclosure must appear in size easily readable by the average viewer and no smaller than the largest font size of other text appearing in the visual media. If the visual media does not include any other text, the disclosure must appear in a size that is easily readable by the average viewer. For visual media that is a video, the disclosure must appear for the duration of the video; or (b) If the media consists of audio only, the disclosure must be read in a clearly spoken manner and in a pitch that can be easily heard by the average listener, at the beginning of the audio, at the end of the audio, and, if the audio is greater than two minutes in length, interspersed within the audio at intervals of not more than two minutes each. (5) In any action commenced under this section, the plaintiff bears the burden of establishing the use of synthetic media by clear and convincing evidence. (6) Courts are encouraged to determine matters under this section expediently.
RCW 29A.04.340 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 04 / Section 340
RCW 29A.04.340: Elections in certain first-class school districts.
Status: in_force

(1) In each county with a population of two hundred ten thousand or more, first-class school districts containing a city of the first-class shall hold their elections biennially as provided in RCW 29A.04.330 . (2) Except as provided in RCW 28A.343.610 , the directors to be elected may be elected for terms of six years and until their successors are elected, qualified, and assume office in accordance with *RCW 29A.20.040 . (3) If the board of directors of a school district pursuant to subsection (1) of this section reduces the length of the term of office for school directors in the district from six to four years, the reduction in the length of term must not affect the term of office of any incumbent director without his or her consent, and a provision must be made to appropriately stagger future elections of school directors.
RCW 29A.04.008 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 04 / Section 008
RCW 29A.04.008: Ballot and related terms.
Status: in_force

As used in this title: (1) "Ballot" means, as the context implies, either: (a) The issues and offices to be voted upon in a jurisdiction or portion of a jurisdiction at a particular primary, general election, or special election; (b) A facsimile of the contents of a particular ballot whether printed on a paper ballot or ballot card or as part of a voting machine or voting device; (c) A physical or electronic record of the choices of an individual voter in a particular primary, general election, or special election; or (d) The physical document on which the voter's choices are to be recorded; (2) "Paper ballot" means a piece of paper on which the ballot for a particular election or primary has been printed, on which a voter may record his or her choices for any candidate or for or against any measure, and that is to be tabulated manually; (3) "Ballot card" means any type of card or piece of paper of any size on which a voter may record his or her choices for any candidate and for or against any measure and that is to be tabulated on a vote tallying system; (4) "Sample ballot" means a printed facsimile of all the issues and offices on the ballot in a jurisdiction and is intended to give voters notice of the issues, offices, and candidates that are to be voted on at a particular primary, general election, or special election; (5) "Provisional ballot" means a ballot issued to a voter who would otherwise be denied an opportunity to vote a regular ballot, for any reason authorized by the Help America Vote Act, including but not limited to the following: (a) The voter's name does not appear in the list of registered voters for the county; (b) There is an indication in the voter registration system that the voter has already voted in that primary, special election, or general election, but the voter wishes to vote again; (c) There is a question on the part of the voter concerning the issues or candidates on which the voter is qualified to vote; (d) Any other reason allowed by law.
RCW 29A.24.111 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 24 / Section 111
RCW 29A.24.111: Petitions—Rejection—Acceptance, canvass of signatures—Judicial review.
Status: in_force

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.
RCW 29A.60.170 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 60 / Section 170
RCW 29A.60.170: List of observers—Counting center, direction and observation of proceedings—Random check of counting equipment—Report.
Status: in_force

(1) At least twenty-eight days prior to any special election, general election, or primary, the county auditor shall request from the chair of the county central committee of each major political party a list of individuals who are willing to serve as observers. The county auditor has discretion to also request observers from any campaign or organization. The county auditor may delete from the lists names of those persons who indicate to the county auditor that they cannot or do not wish to serve as observers, and names of those persons who, in the judgment of the county auditor, lack the ability to properly serve as observers after training has been made available to them by the auditor. (2) The counting center is under the direction of the county auditor and must be open to observation by one representative from each major political party, if representatives have been appointed by the respective major political parties and these representatives are present while the counting center is operating. The proceedings must be open to the public, but no persons except those employed and authorized by the county auditor may touch any ballot or ballot container or operate a vote tallying system. (3) A random check of the ballot counting equipment must be conducted upon mutual agreement of the political party observers or at the discretion of the county auditor. The random check procedures must be adopted by the county canvassing board, and consistent with rules adopted under RCW 29A.60.185 (4), prior to the processing of ballots. The random check process shall involve a comparison of a manual count or electronic count if an audit under RCW 29A.60.185 (1)(d) is conducted to the machine count from the original ballot counting equipment and may involve up to either three precincts or six batches depending on the ballot counting procedures in place in the county. The random check will be limited to one office or issue on the ballots in the precincts or batches that are selected for the check. The selection of the precincts or batches to be checked must be selected according to procedures established by the county canvassing board. The random check procedures must include a process, consistent with RCW 29A.60.185 (3) and rules adopted under RCW 29A.60.185 (4), for expanding the audit to include additional ballots when a random check conducted under this section results in a discrepancy. The procedure must specify under what circumstances a discrepancy will lead to an audit of additional ballots and the method to determine how many additional ballots will be selected. Procedures adopted under RCW 29A.60.185 pertaining to investigations of any discrepancy found during an audit must be followed. The check must be completed no later than forty-eight hours after election day. (4)(a) By November 1, 2018, the secretary of state shall: (i) For each county, survey all random check procedures adopted by the county canvassing board under subsection (3) of this section; and (ii) Evaluate the procedures to identify the best practices and any discrepancies. (b) By December 15, 2018, the secretary of state shall submit a report, in compliance with RCW 43.01.036 , to the appropriate committees of the legislature that provides recommendations, based on the evaluation performed under (a) of this subsection, for adopting best practices and uniform procedures.
RCW 29B.20.020 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 20 / Section 020
RCW 29B.20.020: Commission—Duties.
Status: in_force

The commission shall: (1) Develop and provide forms for the reports and statements required to be made under this title; (2) Prepare and publish a manual setting forth recommended uniform methods of bookkeeping and reporting for use by persons required to make reports and statements under this title; (3) Compile and maintain a current list of all filed reports and statements; (4) Investigate whether properly completed statements and reports have been filed within the times required by this title; (5) Upon complaint or upon its own motion, investigate and report apparent violations of this title to the appropriate law enforcement authorities; (6) Conduct a sufficient number of audits and field investigations to provide a statistically valid finding regarding the degree of compliance with the provisions of this title by all required filers. Any documents, records, reports, computer files, papers, or materials provided to the commission for use in conducting audits and investigations must be returned to the candidate, campaign, or political committee from which they were received within one week of the commission's completion of an audit or field investigation; (7) Prepare and publish an annual report to the governor as to the effectiveness of this title and its enforcement by appropriate law enforcement authorities; (8) Enforce this title according to the powers granted it by law; (9) Adopt rules governing the arrangement, handling, indexing, and disclosing of those reports required by this title to be filed with a county auditor or county elections official. The rules shall: (a) Ensure ease of access by the public to the reports; and (b) Include, but not be limited to, requirements for indexing the reports by the names of candidates or political committees and by the ballot proposition for or against which a political committee is receiving contributions or making expenditures; (10) Adopt rules to carry out the policies of chapter 348, Laws of 2006. The adoption of these rules is not subject to the time restrictions of RCW 29B.20.030 (1); (11) Adopt administrative rules establishing requirements for filer participation in any system designed and implemented by the commission for the electronic filing of reports; and (12) Maintain and make available to the public and political committees of this state a toll-free telephone number.
RCW 29A.04.590 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 04 / Section 590
RCW 29A.04.590: Election assistance and clearinghouse program.
Status: in_force

The secretary of state shall establish within the elections division an election assistance and clearinghouse program, which shall provide regular communication between the secretary of state, local election officials, and major and minor political parties regarding newly enacted elections legislation, relevant judicial decisions affecting the administration of elections, and applicable attorney general opinions, and which shall respond to inquiries from elections administrators, political parties, and others regarding election information. This section does not empower the secretary of state to offer legal advice or opinions, but the secretary may discuss the construction or interpretation of election law, case law, or legal opinions from the attorney general or other competent legal authority.
RCW 29A.68.011 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 68 / Section 011
RCW 29A.68.011: Prevention and correction of ballot frauds and errors.
Status: in_force

Any justice of the supreme court, judge of the court of appeals, or judge of the superior court in the proper county shall, by order, require any person charged with error, wrongful act, or neglect to forthwith correct the error, desist from the wrongful act, or perform the duty and to do as the court orders or to show cause forthwith why the error should not be corrected, the wrongful act desisted from, or the duty or order not performed, whenever it is made to appear to such justice or judge by affidavit of an elector that: (1) An error or omission has occurred or is about to occur in printing the name of any candidate on official ballots; or (2) An error other than as provided in subsections (1) and (3) of this section has been committed or is about to be committed in printing the ballots; or (3) The name of any person has been or is about to be wrongfully placed upon the ballots. An affidavit of an elector under this section when relating to a primary election must be filed with the appropriate court no later than two days following the closing of the filing period for such office and shall be heard and finally disposed of by the court not later than five days after the filing thereof. An affidavit of an elector under this section when relating to a general election must be filed with the appropriate court no later than three days following the official certification of the primary election returns, or official certification of candidates qualified to appear on the general election ballot, whichever is later, and shall be heard and finally disposed of by the court not later than five days after the filing thereof.
RCW 29A.04.139 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 04 / Section 139
RCW 29A.04.139: Recount.
Status: in_force

"Recount" means the process of retabulating ballots and producing amended election returns based on that retabulation, even if the vote totals have not changed.
RCW 29B.10.340 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 10 / Section 340
RCW 29B.10.340: Legislative office.
Status: in_force

"Legislative office" means the office of a member of the state house of representatives or the office of a member of the state senate.
RCW 29B.50.110 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 50 / Section 110
RCW 29B.50.110: Employment of legislators, board or commission members, or state employees—Statement, contents.
Status: in_force

If any person registered or required to be registered as a lobbyist, or any employer of any person registered or required to be registered as a lobbyist, employs a member or an employee of the legislature, a member of a state board or commission, or a full-time state employee, and that new employee remains in the partial employ of the state, the new employer must file within 15 days after employment a statement with the commission, signed under oath, setting out the nature of the employment, the name of the person employed, and the amount of pay or consideration.
RCW 29A.52.330 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 52 / Section 330
RCW 29A.52.330: Constitutional amendments and state measures—Notice method.
Status: in_force

Subject to the availability of funds appropriated specifically for that purpose, the secretary of state shall publish notice of the proposed constitutional amendments and other state measures that are to be submitted to the people at a state general election up to four times during the four weeks immediately preceding that election in every legal newspaper in the state. The secretary of state shall supplement this publication with an equivalent amount of radio and television advertisements.
RCW 29B.60.020 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 60 / Section 020
RCW 29B.60.020: Violations—Determination by commission—Penalties—Procedure.
Status: in_force

(1) The commission may initiate or respond to a complaint, request a technical correction, or otherwise resolve matters of compliance with this title, in accordance with this section. If a complaint is filed with or initiated by the commission, the commission must: (a) Dismiss the complaint or otherwise resolve the matter in accordance with subsection (2) of this section, as appropriate under the circumstances after conducting a preliminary review; (b) Initiate an investigation to determine whether a violation has occurred, conduct hearings, and issue and enforce an appropriate order, in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW and subsection (3) of this section; or (c) Refer the matter to the attorney general, in accordance with subsection (4) of this section. (2)(a) For complaints of remediable violations or requests for technical corrections, the commission may, by rule, delegate authority to its executive director to resolve these matters in accordance with subsection (1)(a) of this section, provided the executive director consistently applies such authority. (b) The commission shall, by rule, develop additional processes by which a respondent may agree by stipulation to any allegations and pay a penalty subject to a schedule of violations and penalties, unless waived by the commission as provided for in this section. Any stipulation must be referred to the commission for review. If approved or modified by the commission, agreed to by the parties, and the respondent complies with all requirements set forth in the stipulation, the matter is then considered resolved and no further action or review is allowed. (3) If the commission initiates an investigation, an initial hearing must be held within 90 days of the complaint being filed. Following an investigation, in cases where it chooses to determine whether a violation has occurred, the commission shall hold a hearing pursuant to the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW. Any order that the commission issues under this section shall be pursuant to such a hearing. (a) The person against whom an order is directed under this section shall be designated as the respondent. The order may require the respondent to cease and desist from the activity that constitutes a violation and in addition, or alternatively, may impose one or more of the remedies provided in RCW 29B.60.010 (1) (b) through (h), or other requirements as the commission determines appropriate to effectuate the purposes of this title. (b) The commission may assess a penalty in an amount not to exceed ten thousand dollars per violation, unless the parties stipulate otherwise. Any order that the commission issues under this section that imposes a financial penalty must be made pursuant to a hearing, held in accordance with the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW. (c) The commission has the authority to waive a penalty for a first-time violation. A second violation of the same requirement by the same person, regardless if the person or individual committed the violation for a different political committee or incidental committee, shall result in a penalty. Successive violations of the same requirement shall result in successively increased penalties. The commission may suspend any portion of an assessed penalty contingent on future compliance with this title. The commission must create a schedule to enhance penalties based on repeat violations by the person. (d) Any order issued by the commission is subject to judicial review under the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW. If the commission's order is not satisfied and no petition for review is filed within 30 days, the commission may petition a court of competent jurisdiction of any county in which a petition for review could be filed under that jurisdiction, for an order of enforcement. Proceedings in connection with the commission's petition shall be in accordance with RCW 29B.60.030 . (4) In lieu of holding a hearing or issuing an order under this section, the commission may refer the matter to the attorney general consistent with this section, when the commission believes: (a) Additional authority is needed to ensure full compliance with this title; (b) An apparent violation potentially warrants a penalty greater than the commission's penalty authority; or (c) The maximum penalty the commission is able to levy is not enough to address the severity of the violation. (5) Prior to filing a citizen's action under RCW 29B.60.060 , a person who has filed a complaint pursuant to this section must provide written notice to the attorney general if the commission does not, within 90 days of the complaint being filed with the commission, take action pursuant to subsection (1) of this section. A person must simultaneously provide a copy of the written notice to the commission.
RCW 29B.10.240 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 10 / Section 240
RCW 29B.10.240: Final report.
Status: in_force

"Final report" means the report described as a final report in RCW 29B.25.090 (11)(a).
RCW 29A.60.165 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 60 / Section 165
RCW 29A.60.165: Unsigned ballot declarations.
Status: in_force

(1) If the voter neglects to sign the ballot declaration, the auditor shall notify the voter by first-class mail and, if the auditor has a telephone number or email address on file for a voter, by telephone, text message, or email, and advise the voter both that their ballot is unsigned and of the correct procedures for completing the unsigned declaration. If the ballot is received within five business days of the final meeting of the canvassing board, or the voter has been notified by first-class mail and has not responded at least five business days before the final meeting of the canvassing board, then the auditor shall attempt to notify the voter by telephone, using the voter registration record information. (2)(a) If the handwriting of the signature on a ballot declaration is not the same as the handwriting of the signature on the registration file, the auditor shall notify the voter by first-class mail, and, if the auditor has a telephone number or email address on file for a voter, by telephone, text message, or email, enclosing a copy of the declaration if notified by first-class mail or email, and advise the voter both that the signature on the ballot declaration does not match the signature on file and of the correct procedures for updating his or her signature on the voter registration file. If the ballot is received within five business days of the final meeting of the canvassing board, or the voter has been notified by first-class mail and has not responded at least five business days before the final meeting of the canvassing board, then the auditor shall attempt to notify the voter by telephone, text message, or email, using the voter registration record information. (b) If the signature on a ballot declaration is not the same as the signature on the registration file because the voter's name has changed, the ballot may be counted as long as the handwriting is clearly the same. The auditor shall send the voter a change-of-name form under RCW 29A.08.440 and direct the voter to complete the form. (c) If the signature on a ballot declaration is not the same as the signature on the registration file because the voter used initials or a common nickname, the ballot may be counted as long as the surname and handwriting are clearly the same. (3) If the auditor calls a voter who neglected to sign the ballot declaration or whose signature on the ballot declaration does not match the signature in the registration file and the voter does not answer, but voice mail is available, the auditor shall leave a voice mail message. (4) An auditor who provides electronic means for submission of a ballot declaration signature shall establish appropriate privacy and security protocols that ensure that the information transmitted is received directly and securely by the auditor and is only used for the stated purposes of verifying the signature on the voter's ballot. (5) If a voter's ballot is rejected in two consecutive primary or general elections due to a mismatched signature, the auditor must contact the voter by telephone, text message, or email, if the auditor has a telephone number or email address on file for the voter, and request that the voter update their signature for the voter's registration file. (6) A voter may not cure a missing or mismatched signature for purposes of counting the ballot in a recount. (7) A record must be kept of all ballots with missing and mismatched signatures. The record must contain the date on which the voter was contacted or the notice was mailed, as well as the date on which the voter submitted updated information. The record must be updated each day that ballots are processed under RCW 29A.60.160 , each time a voter was contacted or the notice was mailed, and when the voter submitted updated information. The auditor shall send the record, and any updated records, to the secretary of state no later than forty-eight hours after the record is created or updated. The secretary of state shall make all records publicly available no later than twenty-four hours after receiving the record.
RCW 29A.84.550 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 84 / Section 550
RCW 29A.84.550: Tampering with materials.
Status: in_force

Any person who willfully defaces, removes, or destroys any of the supplies or materials that the person knows are intended both for use in a voting center, election office, ballot counting area, ballot storage area, or election system including materials and systems meant for enabling a voter to prepare the voter's ballot is guilty of a class C felony punishable under RCW 9A.20.021 .
RCW 29A.76.050 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 76 / Section 050
RCW 29A.76.050: Voluntary change to electoral system—Use of population data regarding political parties.
Status: in_force

In any change to its electoral system under RCW 29A.92.040 or preparation of a redistricting plan under RCW 29A.92.040 , political subdivisions may use population data regarding political parties only to the extent necessary to ensure compliance with chapter 113, Laws of 2018 or federal law.
RCW 29A.56.670 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 56 / Section 670
RCW 29A.56.670: Certificate of nomination—Checking signatures—Appeal of determination.
Status: in_force

Upon the receipt of the certificate of nomination, the secretary of state shall check the certificate and canvass the signatures on the accompanying nominating petitions to determine if the requirements of RCW 29A.56.640 have been met. Once the determination has been made, the secretary of state shall notify the presiding officer of the convention and any other persons requesting the notification , of his or her decision regarding the sufficiency of the certificate or the nominating petitions. Any appeal regarding the secretary's determination must be filed with the superior court of Thurston county not later than five days from the date the determination is made, and shall be heard and finally disposed of by the court within five days of the filing. Nominating petitions shall not be available for public inspection or copying.
RCW 29B.10.160 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 10 / Section 160
RCW 29B.10.160: Contribution.
Status: in_force

(1) "Contribution" includes: (a) A loan, gift, deposit, subscription, forgiveness of indebtedness, donation, advance, pledge, payment, transfer of funds, or anything of value, including personal and professional services for less than full consideration; (b) An expenditure made by a person in cooperation, consultation, or concert with, or at the request or suggestion of, a candidate, a political or incidental committee, the person or persons named on the candidate's or committee's registration form who direct expenditures on behalf of the candidate or committee, or their agents; (c) The financing by a person of the dissemination, distribution, or republication, in whole or in part, of broadcast, written, graphic, digital, or other form of political advertising or electioneering communication prepared by a candidate, a political or incidental committee, or its authorized agent; (d) Sums paid for tickets to fund-raising events such as dinners and parties, except for the actual cost of the consumables furnished at the event. (2) "Contribution" does not include: (a) Accrued interest on money deposited in a political or incidental committee's account; (b) Ordinary home hospitality; (c) A contribution received by a candidate or political or incidental committee that is returned to the contributor within 10 business days of the date on which it is received by the candidate or political or incidental committee; (d) A news item, feature, commentary, or editorial in a regularly scheduled news medium that is of interest to the public, that is in a news medium controlled by a person whose business is that news medium, and that is not controlled by a candidate or a political or incidental committee; (e) An internal political communication primarily limited to the members of or contributors to a political party organization or political or incidental committee, or to the officers, management staff, or stockholders of a corporation or similar enterprise, or to the members of a labor organization or other membership organization; (f) The rendering of personal services of the sort commonly performed by volunteer campaign workers, or incidental expenses personally incurred by volunteer campaign workers not in excess of $50 personally paid for by the worker. "Volunteer services," for the purposes of this section, means services or labor for which the individual is not compensated by any person; (g) Messages in the form of reader boards, banners, or yard or window signs displayed on a person's own property or property occupied by a person. However, a facility used for such political advertising for which a rental charge is normally made must be reported as an in-kind contribution and counts toward any applicable contribution limit of the person providing the facility; (h) Legal or accounting services rendered to or on behalf of: (i) A political party or caucus political committee if the person paying for the services is the regular employer of the person rendering such services; or (ii) A candidate or an authorized committee if the person paying for the services is the regular employer of the individual rendering the services and if the services are solely for the purpose of ensuring compliance with state election or public disclosure laws; or (i) The performance of ministerial functions by a person on behalf of two or more candidates or political or incidental committees either as volunteer services defined in (f) of this subsection or for payment by the candidate or political or incidental committee for whom the services are performed as long as: (i) The person performs solely ministerial functions; (ii) A person who is paid by two or more candidates or political or incidental committees is identified by the candidates and political committees on whose behalf services are performed as part of their respective statements of organization under RCW 29B.25.020 ; and (iii) The person does not disclose, except as required by law, any information regarding a candidate's or committee's plans, projects, activities, or needs, or regarding a candidate's or committee's contributions or expenditures that is not already publicly available from campaign reports filed with the commission, or otherwise engage in activity that constitutes a contribution under subsection (1)(b) of this section. A person who performs ministerial functions under this subsection (2)(i) is not considered an agent of the candidate or committee as long as the person has no authority to authorize expenditures or make decisions on behalf of the candidate or committee. (3) Contributions other than money or its equivalent are deemed to have a monetary value equivalent to the fair market value of the contribution. Services or property or rights furnished at less than their fair market value for the purpose of assisting any candidate or political committee are deemed a contribution. Such a contribution must be reported as an in-kind contribution at its fair market value and counts towards any applicable contribution limit of the provider.
RCW 29A.32.100 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 32 / Section 100
RCW 29A.32.100: Arguments—Public inspection.
Status: in_force

(1) An argument or statement submitted to the secretary of state for publication in the voters' pamphlet is not available for public inspection or copying until: (a) In the case of candidate statements, (i) all statements by all candidates who have filed for a particular office have been received, except those who informed the secretary that they will not submit statements, or (ii) the deadline for submission of statements has elapsed; (b) In the case of arguments supporting or opposing a measure, (i) the arguments on both sides have been received, unless a committee was not appointed for one side, or (ii) the deadline for submission of arguments has elapsed; and (c) In the case of rebuttal arguments, (i) the rebuttals on both sides have been received, unless a committee was not appointed for one side, or (ii) the deadline for submission of arguments has elapsed. (2) Nothing in this section prohibits the secretary from releasing information under RCW 29A.32.090 .
RCW 29B.05.030 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 05 / Section 030
RCW 29B.05.030: Statements and reports public records.
Status: in_force

All statements and reports filed under this title shall be public records of the agency where they are filed, and shall be available for public inspection and copying during normal business hours at the expense of the person requesting copies, provided that the charge for such copies shall not exceed actual cost to the agency.
RCW 29A.08.110 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 08 / Section 110
RCW 29A.08.110: Auditor's procedure.
Status: in_force

(1) For persons registering under RCW 29A.08.120 , 29A.08.123 , 29A.08.170 , 29A.08.330 , 29A.08.340 , 29A.08.362 , and 29A.08.365 , an application is considered complete only if it contains the information required by RCW 29A.08.010 . The applicant is considered to be registered to vote as of: (a) The original date of receipt; (b) When the person will be at least eighteen years old by the next election; (c) When the person will be at least seventeen years old by the next primary election or presidential primary election and eighteen years old by the general election, whichever is applicable; or (d) For voters utilizing automatic voter registration under RCW 29A.08.315 at the department of licensing, the date that an election official receives the information to register the person to vote, unless: (i) The voter declines registration by the deadline in RCW 29A.08.359 (4)(a); or (ii) An election official receives the information to register the person to vote after the deadline to register to vote under RCW 29A.08.140 (1)(a), in which case the applicant is considered to be registered to vote as of the day after the election. (2) As soon as practicable, the auditor shall record the appropriate precinct identification, taxing district identification, and date of registration on the voter's record in the state voter registration list. The secretary of state shall, pursuant to RCW 29A.04.611 , establish procedures to enable new or updated voter registrations to be recorded on an expedited basis. Any mailing address provided shall be used only for mail delivery purposes, and not for precinct assignment or residency purposes. (3) The voter must be sent an acknowledgment notice using first-class nonforwardable mail: (a) For voters utilizing automatic voter registration services at the department of licensing, within five business days after the receipt of an application or residential address change, or, if the application or residential address change is received after the deadline to register to vote or update a voter registration under RCW 29A.08.140 (1)(a) or (2)(a)(i), within five business days after the election, the auditor shall send an automatic voter registration acknowledgment notice package as required by RCW 29A.08.030 . (b) For all other voters, within 60 days after the receipt of an application or residential address change, the auditor shall send an acknowledgment notice as required by RCW 29A.08.030 . (4) If an application is not complete, the auditor shall promptly mail a verification notice to the applicant. The verification notice shall require the applicant to provide the missing information. If the applicant provides the required information within forty-five days, the applicant shall be registered to vote as of the original date of application. The applicant shall not be placed on the official list of registered voters until the application is complete. (5) Once a future voter is no longer in pending status, as described in RCW 29A.08.615 , his or her application to sign up to register to vote is no longer pending and is subject to this section.
RCW 29B.25.030 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 25 / Section 030
RCW 29B.25.030: Statement of organization by incidental committees.
Status: in_force

(1)(a) An incidental committee must file a statement of organization with the commission within two weeks after the date the committee first: (i) Has the expectation of making any expenditures aggregating at least twenty-five thousand dollars in a calendar year in any election campaign, or to a political committee; and (ii) Is required to disclose a payment received under RCW 29B.25.100 (2)(d). (b) If an incidental committee first meets the criteria requiring filing a statement of organization as specified in (a) of this subsection in the last three weeks before an election, then it must file the statement of organization within three business days. (2) The statement of organization must include but is not limited to: (a) The name, address, and electronic contact information of the committee; (b) The names and addresses of all related or affiliated political or incidental committees or other persons, and the nature of the relationship or affiliation; (c) The names, addresses, and titles of its officers; or if it has no officers, the names, addresses, and titles of its responsible leaders and the name of the person designated as the treasurer of the incidental committee; (d) The name, office sought, and party affiliation of each candidate whom the committee is supporting or opposing if the committee contributes directly to a candidate and, if donating to a political committee, the name and address of that political committee; (e) The ballot proposition concerned, if any, and whether the committee is in favor of or opposed to such proposition; and (f) Such other information as the commission may by rule prescribe, in keeping with the policies and purposes of this title. (3) Any material change in information previously submitted in a statement of organization must be reported to the commission within the 10 days following the change.
RCW 29A.36.170 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 36 / Section 170
RCW 29A.36.170: Top two candidates qualified for general election (as amended by 2013 c 143).
Status: in_force

(1) For any office for which a primary was held, only the names of the top two candidates will appear on the general election ballot; the name of the candidate who received the greatest number of votes will appear first and the candidate who received the next greatest number of votes will appear second. No candidate's name may be printed on the subsequent general election ballot unless he or she receives at least one percent of the total votes cast for that office at the preceding primary, if a primary was conducted. On the ballot at the general election for an office for which no primary was held, the names of the candidates shall be listed in the order determined under RCW (( 29A.36.130 )) 29A.36.131 . (2) For the office of justice of the supreme court, judge of the court of appeals, judge of the superior court, judge of the district court, or state superintendent of public instruction, if a candidate in a contested primary receives a majority of all the votes cast for that office or position, only the name of that candidate may be printed for that position on the ballot at the general election.

PDF RCW 29A.36.170

Top two candidates qualified for general election (as amended by 2013 c 143) .

(( (1) )) For any office for which a primary was held, only the names of the top two candidates will appear on the general election ballot; the name of the candidate who received the greatest number of votes will appear first and the candidate who received the next greatest number of votes will appear second. No candidate's name may be printed on the subsequent general election ballot unless he or she receives at least one percent of the total votes cast for that office at the preceding primary, if a primary was conducted. On the ballot at the general election for an office for which no primary was held, the names of the candidates shall be listed in the order determined (( under )) pursuant to RCW (( 29A.36.130 )) 29A.36.131 . (( (2) For the office of justice of the supreme court, judge of the court of appeals, judge of the superior court, or state superintendent of public instruction, if a candidate in a contested primary receives a majority of all the votes cast for that office or position, only the name of that candidate may be printed for that position on the ballot at the general election. ))
RCW 29B.50.060 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 50 / Section 060
RCW 29B.50.060: Notification to person named in report.
Status: in_force

(1) When a listing or a report of contributions is made to the commission under RCW 29B.50.050 (2)(c), a copy of the listing or report must be given to the candidate, elected official, professional employee of the legislature, or officer or employee of an agency, or a political committee supporting or opposing a ballot proposition named in the listing or report. (2) If a state elected official or a member of the official's immediate family is identified by a lobbyist in a lobbyist report as having received from the lobbyist an item specified in RCW 42.52.150 (7) or 42.52.150 (1)(c) (iv) or (vi) [RCW 42.52.150 (7) or (1)(c) (iv) or (vi)], the lobbyist shall transmit to the official a copy of the completed form used to identify the item in the report at the same time the report is filed with the commission.
RCW 29A.24.181 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 24 / Section 181
RCW 29A.24.181: Regular filing period—Voids in candidacy.
Status: in_force

(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 .
RCW 29A.24.050 — Washington Code / Title 29A / Chapter 24 / Section 050
RCW 29A.24.050: Declaration of candidacy—Certain offices, when filed.
Status: in_force

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.
RCW 29B.50.100 — Washington Code / Title 29B / Chapter 50 / Section 100
RCW 29B.50.100: Grass roots lobbying campaigns.
Status: in_force

(1) Any person who has made expenditures, not reported by a registered lobbyist under RCW 29B.50.050 or by a candidate or political committee under RCW 29B.25.070 or 29B.25.090 , exceeding *one thousand dollars in the aggregate within any three-month period or exceeding *five hundred dollars in the aggregate within any one-month period in presenting a campaign to the public, a substantial portion of which is intended, designed, or calculated primarily to solicit, urge, or encourage the public to influence legislation, shall register and report, as provided in subsection (2) of this section, as a sponsor of a grass roots lobbying campaign. (2)(a) The sponsor shall register by filing with the commission a registration statement: (i) Within 24 hours of the initial presentation of the campaign to the public during the period: (A) Beginning on the 30th day before a regular legislative session convenes and continuing through the date of final adjournment of that session; or (B) Beginning on the date that a special legislative session has been called or 30 days before the special legislative session is scheduled to convene, whichever is later, and continuing through the date of final adjournment of that session; or (ii) Within five business days of the initial presentation of the campaign to the public during any other period. (b) The registration must show, in such detail as the commission shall prescribe: (i) The sponsor's name, address, and business or occupation and employer, and, if the sponsor is not an individual, the names, addresses, and titles of the controlling persons responsible for managing the sponsor's affairs; (ii) The names, addresses, and business or occupation and employer of all persons organizing and managing the campaign, or hired to assist the campaign, including any public relations or advertising firms participating in the campaign, and the terms of compensation for all such persons; (iii) Each source of funding for the campaign of $25 or more, including: (A) General treasury funds. The name and address of each business, union, group, association, or other organization using general treasury funds for the campaign; however, if such entity undertakes a special solicitation of its members or other persons for the campaign, or it otherwise receives funds for the campaign, that entity shall report pursuant to (b)(ii) of this subsection; and (B) Special solicitations and other funds. The name, address, and, for individuals, occupation and employer, of a person whose funds were used to pay for the campaign, along with the amount; (iv) The purpose of the campaign, including the specific legislation, rules, rates, standards, or proposals that are the subject matter of the campaign; (v) The totals of all expenditures made or incurred to date on behalf of the campaign segregated according to financial category, including but not limited to the following: Advertising, segregated by media, and in the case of large expenditures (as provided by rule of the commission), by outlet; contributions; entertainment, including food and refreshments; office expenses including rent and the salaries and wages paid for staff and secretarial assistance, or the proportionate amount paid or incurred for lobbying campaign activities; consultants; and printing and mailing expenses; and (vi) Such other information as shall be required by the commission by rule in conformance with the policies and purposes of this title. (3) Every sponsor who has registered under this section shall file monthly reports with the commission by the 10th day of the month for the activity during the preceding month. The reports shall update the information contained in the sponsor's registration statement and in prior reports and shall show contributions received and totals of expenditures made during the month, in the same manner as provided for in the registration statement. (4) When the campaign has been terminated, the sponsor shall file a notice of termination with the final monthly report. The final report shall state the totals of all contributions and expenditures made on behalf of the campaign, in the same manner as provided for in the registration statement. (5)(a) Any advertising or other mass communication produced as part of a campaign must include the following disclosures: (i) All written communications shall include the sponsor's name and address. All radio and television communications shall include the sponsor's name. The use of an assumed name for the sponsor is unlawful; (ii) If the sponsor is a political committee established, maintained, or controlled directly, or indirectly through the formation of one or more political committees, by an individual, corporation, union, association, or other entity, the communication must include the full name of that individual or entity; and (iii) If the communication costs $1,000 or more, the communication must include: (A) The statement "Top Five Contributors," followed by a listing of the names of each of the five largest sources of funding of $1,000 or more, as reported under subsection (2)(b) of this section, during the 12-month period preceding the date on which the advertisement is initially to be published or otherwise presented to the public; and (B) If one of the "Top Five Contributors" listed includes a political committee, the statement "Top Three Donors to PAC Contributors," followed by a listing of the names of the three individuals or entities other than political committees making the largest aggregate contributions to political committees using the same methodology as provided in RCW 29B.30.100 (2). (b) Abbreviations may be used to describe entities required to be listed under (a) of this subsection if the full name of the entity has been clearly spoken previously during the communication. The information required by (a) of this subsection shall: (i) In a written communication: (A) Appear on the first page or fold of the written advertisement or communication in at least 10-point type, or in type at least 10 percent of the largest size type used in a written communication directed at more than one voter, such as a billboard or poster, whichever is larger; (B) Not be subject to the half-tone or screening process; and (C) Be set apart from any other printed matter. No text may be before, after, or immediately adjacent to the information required by (a) of this subsection; or (ii) In a communication transmitted via television or another medium that includes a visual image or audio: (A) Be clearly spoken; or (B) Appear in print and be visible for at least four seconds, appear in letters greater than four percent of the visual screen height on a solid black background on the entire bottom one-third of the television or visual display screen, or bottom one-fourth of the screen if the sponsor does not have or is otherwise not required to list its top five contributors, and have a reasonable color contrast with the background. (6) The commission is authorized to adopt rules, as needed, to prevent ways to circumvent the purposes of the required disclosures in this section or otherwise in conformance with the policies and purposes of this title.