reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.230 - Destruction of insufficient recall petition.

RCW 29A.56.230
Destruction of insufficient recall petition.
If it is found that the recall petition does not contain the requisite number of signatures of certified legal voters, the officer shall so notify the persons filing the petition, and at the expiration of thirty days from the conclusion of the count the officer shall destroy the petitions unless prevented therefrom by the injunction or mandate of a court.
[ 2003 c 111 § 1419; 1965 c 9 § 29.82.110. Prior: 1913 c 146 § 9, part; RRS § 5358, part. Formerly RCW 29.82.110.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.240 - Fraudulent names—Record of.

RCW 29A.56.240
Fraudulent names—Record of.
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.
[ 2003 c 111 § 1420; 1965 c 9 § 29.82.120. Prior: 1913 c 146 § 10; RRS § 5359. Formerly RCW 29.82.120.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.250 - Conduct of election—Contents of ballot.

RCW 29A.56.250
Conduct of election—Contents of ballot.
The special election for the recall of an officer shall be conducted in the same manner as a special election for that jurisdiction. The county auditor shall conduct the recall election. The ballots at any recall election shall contain a full, true, and correct copy of the ballot synopsis of the charge and the officer's response to the charge if one has been filed.
[ 2003 c 111 § 1421. Prior: 1990 c 59 § 71; 1980 c 42 § 2; 1965 c 9 § 29.82.130; prior: 1913 c 146 § 11; RRS § 5360. See also RCW 29.48.040. Formerly RCW 29.82.130.]
NOTES:
Intent—Effective date—1990 c 59: See notes following RCW 29A.04.013.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.260 - Ascertaining the result—When recall effective.

RCW 29A.56.260
Ascertaining the result—When recall effective.
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.
[ 2003 c 111 § 1422; 1977 ex.s. c 361 § 109; 1965 c 9 § 29.82.140. Prior: 1913 c 146 § 12; RRS § 5361. Formerly RCW 29.82.140.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Severability—1977 ex.s. c 361: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.
Canvassing the returns: Chapter 29A.60 RCW.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.270 - Enforcement provisions—Mandamus—Appellate review.

RCW 29A.56.270
Enforcement provisions—Mandamus—Appellate review.
The superior court of the county in which the officer subject to recall resides has original jurisdiction to compel the performance of any act required of any public officer or to prevent the performance by any such officer of any act in relation to the recall not in compliance with law.
The supreme court has like original jurisdiction in relation to state officers and revisory jurisdiction over the decisions of the superior courts. Any proceeding to compel or prevent the performance of any such act shall be begun within ten days from the time the cause of complaint arises, and shall be considered an emergency matter of public concern and take precedence over other cases, and be speedily heard and determined. Appellate review of a decision of any superior court shall be begun and perfected within fifteen days after its decision in a recall election case and shall be considered an emergency matter of public concern by the supreme court, and heard and determined within thirty days after the decision of the superior court.
[ 2003 c 111 § 1423. Prior: 1988 c 202 § 30; 1984 c 170 § 10; 1965 c 9 § 29.82.160; prior: 1913 c 146 § 14; RRS § 5363. Formerly RCW 29.82.160.]
NOTES:
Rules of court: Writ procedure superseded by RAP 2.1(b), 16.2, 18.22.
Severability—1988 c 202: See note following RCW 2.24.050.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.310 - Date of election—Number.

RCW 29A.56.310
Date of election—Number.
On the Tuesday after the first Monday of November in the year in which a president of the United States is to be elected, there shall be elected as many electors of president and vice president of the United States as there are senators and representatives in Congress allotted to this state.
[ 2003 c 111 § 1424; 1965 c 9 § 29.71.010. Prior: 1891 c 148 § 1; RRS § 5138. Formerly RCW 29.71.010.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.320 - Nomination—What names on ballots—How counted.

RCW 29A.56.320
Nomination—What names on ballots—How counted.
(1) In the year in which a presidential election is held, each major political party and each minor political party or independent candidate convention that nominates candidates for president and vice president of the United States shall nominate presidential electors for this state. The party or convention shall file with the secretary of state a certificate signed by the presiding officer of the convention at which the presidential electors were chosen, listing the names and addresses of the presidential electors.
(2) The names of presidential electors shall not appear on the ballots. The votes cast for candidates for president and vice president of each political party shall be counted for the candidates for presidential electors of that political party; however, if the interstate compact entitled the "agreement among the states to elect the president by national popular vote," as set forth in RCW 29A.56.300, governs the appointment of the presidential electors for a presidential election as provided in clause 9 of Article III of that compact, then the final appointment of presidential electors for that presidential election shall be in accordance with that compact.
[ 2019 c 143 § 10; 2013 c 11 § 56; 2009 c 264 § 3; 2003 c 111 § 1425. Prior: 1990 c 59 § 69; 1977 ex.s. c 238 § 1; 1965 c 9 § 29.71.020; prior: 1935 c 20 § 1; RRS § 5138-1. Formerly RCW 29.71.020.]
NOTES:
Short title—Uniformity of application and construction—2019 c 143: See notes following RCW 29A.56.080.
Intent—2009 c 264: See note following RCW 29A.56.300.
Intent—Effective date—1990 c 59: See notes following RCW 29A.04.013.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.340 - Time and place of meeting.

RCW 29A.56.340
Time and place of meeting.
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.
[ 2019 c 143 § 11; 2003 c 111 § 1427; 1977 ex.s. c 238 § 2; 1965 c 9 § 29.71.040. Prior: 1909 c 22 § 1; 1891 c 148 § 3; RRS § 5140. Formerly RCW 29.71.040.]
NOTES:
Short title—Uniformity of application and construction—2019 c 143: See notes following RCW 29A.56.080.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.350 - Compensation.

RCW 29A.56.350
Compensation.
Every presidential elector who attends at the time and place appointed, and gives his or her vote for president and vice president consistent with his or her pledge under RCW 29A.56.084 or 29A.56.088(3), is entitled to receive from this state a subsistence allowance and travel expenses pursuant to RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 for each day's attendance at the meeting of the college of electors.
[ 2019 c 143 § 12; 2013 c 38 § 1; 2003 c 111 § 1428; 1965 c 9 § 29.71.050. Prior: 1891 c 148 § 4; RRS § 5141. Formerly RCW 29.71.050.]
NOTES:
Short title—Uniformity of application and construction—2019 c 143: See notes following RCW 29A.56.080.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.360 - Slate of presidential electors.

RCW 29A.56.360
Slate of presidential electors.
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.
[ 2013 c 11 § 57; 2003 c 111 § 1429. Prior: 2001 c 30 § 1. Formerly RCW 29.27.140.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.410 - Governor's proclamation calling convention—When.

RCW 29A.56.410
Governor's proclamation calling convention—When.
Within thirty days after the state is officially notified that the Congress of the United States has submitted to the several states a proposed amendment to the Constitution of the United States to be ratified or rejected by a convention, the governor shall issue a proclamation fixing the time and place for holding the convention and fixing the time for holding an election to elect delegates to the convention.
[ 2003 c 111 § 1430; 1965 c 9 § 29.74.010. Prior: 1933 c 181 § 1, part; RRS § 5249-1, part. Formerly RCW 29.74.010.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.420 - Governor's proclamation calling convention—Publication.

RCW 29A.56.420
Governor's proclamation calling convention—Publication.
The proclamation shall be published once each week for two successive weeks in one newspaper published and of general circulation in each of the congressional districts of the state. The first publication of the proclamation shall be within thirty days of the receipt of official notice by the state of the submission of the amendment.
[ 2003 c 111 § 1431. Prior: 1965 c 9 § 29.74.020; prior: 1933 c 181 § 1, part; RRS § 5249-1, part. Formerly RCW 29.74.020.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.430 - Election of convention delegates—Date.

RCW 29A.56.430
Election of convention delegates—Date.
The date for holding the election of delegates must be not less than one month nor more than six weeks before the date of holding the convention. If a general election is to be held not more than six months nor less than three months from the date of official notice of submission to the state of the proposed amendment, the governor must fix the date of the general election as the date for the election of delegates to the convention.
[ 2003 c 111 § 1432; 1965 c 9 § 29.74.030. Prior: (i) 1933 c 181 § 1, part; RRS § 5249-1, part. (ii) 1933 c 181 § 9; RRS § 5249-9. Formerly RCW 29.74.030.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.440 - Time and place for convention.

RCW 29A.56.440
Time and place for convention.
The convention shall be held not less than five nor more than eight months from the date of the first publication of the proclamation provided for in RCW 29A.56.420. It shall be held in the chambers of the state house of representatives unless the governor shall select some other place at the state capitol.
[ 2003 c 111 § 1433. Prior: 1965 c 9 § 29.74.040; prior: 1933 c 181 § 1, part; RRS § 5249-1, part. Formerly RCW 29.74.040.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.450 - Delegates—Number and qualifications.

RCW 29A.56.450
Delegates—Number and qualifications.
Each state representative district shall be entitled to as many delegates in the convention as it has members in the house of representatives of the state legislature. No person shall be qualified to act as a delegate in said convention who does not possess the qualifications required of representatives in the state legislature from the same district.
[ 2003 c 111 § 1434. Prior: 1965 c 9 § 29.74.050; prior: 1933 c 181 § 2; RRS § 5249-2. Formerly RCW 29.74.050.]
NOTES:
Qualifications of legislators: State Constitution Art. 2 § 7.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.460 - Delegates—Declarations of candidacy.

RCW 29A.56.460
Delegates—Declarations of candidacy.
Anyone desiring to file as a candidate for election as a delegate to the convention shall, not less than thirty nor more than sixty days before the date fixed for holding the election, file a declaration of candidacy with the secretary of state. Filing must be made on a form to be prescribed by the secretary of state and include a sworn statement of the candidate as being either for or against the amendment that will be submitted to a vote of the convention and that the candidate will, if elected as a delegate, vote in accordance with the declaration. The form must be so worded that the candidate must give a plain unequivocal statement of his or her views as either for or against the proposal upon which he or she will, if elected, be called upon to vote. No candidate may in any such filing make any statement or declaration as to party politics or political faith or beliefs. The fee for filing as a candidate is ten dollars and must be transmitted to the secretary of state with the filing papers and be by the secretary of state transmitted to the state treasurer for the use of the general fund.
[ 2003 c 111 § 1435; 1965 c 9 § 29.74.060. Prior: 1933 c 181 § 3; RRS § 5249-3. Formerly RCW 29.74.060.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.470 - Election of delegates—Administration.

RCW 29A.56.470
Election of delegates—Administration.
The election of delegates to the convention must as far as practicable, be administered, except as otherwise provided in this chapter, in the same manner as a general election under the election laws of this state.
[ 2003 c 111 § 1436; 1965 c 9 § 29.74.070. Prior: 1933 c 181 § 4, part; RRS § 5249-4, part. Formerly RCW 29.74.070.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.480 - Election of delegates—Ballots.

RCW 29A.56.480
Election of delegates—Ballots.
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.
[ 2003 c 111 § 1437. Prior: 1990 c 59 § 70; 1965 c 9 § 29.74.080; prior: 1933 c 181 § 4, part; RRS § 5249-4, part. Formerly RCW 29.74.080.]
NOTES:
Intent—Effective date—1990 c 59: See notes following RCW 29A.04.013.
Ballots: Chapter 29A.36 RCW.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.490 - Election of delegates—Ascertaining result.

RCW 29A.56.490
Election of delegates—Ascertaining result.
The election officials shall count and determine the number of votes cast for each individual; and shall also count and determine the aggregate number of votes cast for all candidates whose names appear under each of the respective headings. Where more than the required number have been voted for, the ballot must be rejected. The vote must be canvassed in each county by the county canvassing board, and certificate of results must be transmitted to the secretary of state. Upon receiving the certificate, the secretary of state may require precinct returns from any county to be forwarded for the secretary's examination.
Where a district embraces precincts of more than one county, the secretary of state shall combine the votes from all the precincts included in each district. The delegates elected in each district will be the number of candidates corresponding to the number of state representatives from the district, who receive the highest number of votes in the group (either "for" or "against") that received an aggregate number of votes for all candidates in the group greater than the aggregate number of votes for all the candidates in the other group. The secretary of state shall issue certificates of election to the delegates so elected.
[ 2013 c 11 § 58; 2011 c 10 § 46; 2003 c 111 § 1438; 1965 c 9 § 29.74.100. Prior: 1933 c 181 § 6; RRS § 5249-6. Formerly RCW 29.74.100.]
NOTES:
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.500 - Meeting—Organization.

RCW 29A.56.500
Meeting—Organization.
The convention shall meet at the time and place fixed in the governor's proclamation. The secretary of state shall call it to order, who shall then call the roll of the delegates and preside over the convention until its president is elected. The chief justice of the supreme court shall administer the oath of office to the delegates. As far as practicable, the convention shall proceed under the rules adopted by the last preceding session of the state senate. The convention shall elect a president and a secretary and shall thereafter and thereupon proceed with a publicly recorded voice vote upon the proposition submitted by the Congress of the United States.
[ 2003 c 111 § 1439; 1965 c 9 § 29.74.110. Prior: 1933 c 181 § 7, part; RRS § 5249-7, part. Formerly RCW 29.74.110.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.510 - Quorum—Proceedings—Record.

RCW 29A.56.510
Quorum—Proceedings—Record.
Two-thirds of the elected members of said convention shall constitute a quorum to do business, and a majority of those elected shall be sufficient to adopt or reject any proposition coming before the convention. If such majority votes in favor of the ratification of the amendment submitted to the convention, the said amendment shall be deemed ratified by the state of Washington; and if a majority votes in favor of rejecting or not ratifying the amendment, the same shall be deemed rejected by the state of Washington.
[ 2003 c 111 § 1440. Prior: 1965 c 9 § 29.74.120; prior: 1933 c 181 § 8, part; RRS § 5249-8, part. Formerly RCW 29.74.120.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.520 - Certification and transmittal of result.

RCW 29A.56.520
Certification and transmittal of result.
The vote of each member shall be recorded in the journal of the convention, which shall be preserved by the secretary of state as a public document. The action of the convention shall be enrolled, signed by its president and secretary and filed with the secretary of state and it shall be the duty of the secretary of state to properly certify the action of the convention to the Congress of the United States as provided by general law.
[ 2003 c 111 § 1441; 1965 c 9 § 29.74.130. Prior: (i) 1933 c 181 § 7, part; RRS § 5249-7, part. (ii) 1933 c 181 § 8, part; RRS § 5249-8, part. Formerly RCW 29.74.130.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.530 - Expenses—How paid—Delegates receive filing fee.

RCW 29A.56.530
Expenses—How paid—Delegates receive filing fee.
The delegates attending the convention shall be paid the amount of their filing fee, upon vouchers approved by the president and secretary of the convention and state warrants issued thereon and payable from the general fund of the state treasury. The delegates shall receive no other compensation or mileage. All other necessary expenses of the convention shall be payable from the general fund of the state upon vouchers approved by the president and secretary of the convention.
[ 2003 c 111 § 1442. Prior: 1965 c 9 § 29.74.140; prior: 1933 c 181 § 10; RRS § 5249-10. Formerly RCW 29.74.140.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.540 - Federal statutes controlling.

RCW 29A.56.540
Federal statutes controlling.
If a congressional measure, which submits to the several states an amendment to the Constitution of the United States for ratification or rejection, provides for or requires a different method of calling and holding conventions to ratify or reject said amendment, the requirements of said congressional measure shall be followed so far as they conflict with the provisions of this chapter.
[ 2003 c 111 § 1443. Prior: 1965 c 9 § 29.74.150; prior: 1933 c 181 § 11; RRS § 5249-11. Formerly RCW 29.74.150.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.600 - Convention.

RCW 29A.56.600
Convention.
A "convention" for the purposes of this chapter , is an organized assemblage of registered voters representing an independent candidate or candidates or a new or minor political party, organization, or principle.
[ 2013 c 11 § 26; 2004 c 271 § 188. Formerly RCW 29A.20.111.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.610 - Nomination by convention—Dates.

RCW 29A.56.610
Nomination by convention—Dates.
Nominations of candidates for president and vice president of the United States, other than by a major political party, may be made at a convention conducted not earlier than the first Saturday in May and not later than the fourth Saturday in July in the year that president and vice president appear on the general election ballot. A minor political party may hold more than one convention but in no case shall any such party nominate more than one candidate for president or more than one candidate for vice president. To be valid, a convention must be attended by at least one hundred registered voters, but a minor party or independent candidate holding multiple conventions may add together the number of signatures of different individuals from each convention in order to obtain and submit to the secretary of state the signatures of at least one thousand registered voters of the state of Washington.
[ 2013 c 11 § 27; 2006 c 344 § 4; 2004 c 271 § 110. Formerly RCW 29A.20.121.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2006 c 344 §§ 1-16 and 18-40: See note following RCW 29A.04.311.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.620 - Convention—Notice.

RCW 29A.56.620
Convention—Notice.
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.
[ 2004 c 271 § 189. Formerly RCW 29A.20.131.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.630 - Nominating petition—Requirements.

RCW 29A.56.630
Nominating petition—Requirements.
A nominating petition submitted under this chapter shall clearly identify the name of the minor party or independent candidate convention as it appears on the certificate of nomination as required by *RCW 29A.20.161(3). The petition shall also contain a statement that the person signing the petition is a registered voter of the state of Washington and shall have a space for the voter to sign his or her name and to print his or her name and address. No person may sign more than one nominating petition under this chapter for an office for an election.
[ 2004 c 271 § 112. Formerly RCW 29A.20.151.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 29A.20.161 was recodified as RCW 29A.56.640 pursuant to 2013 c 11 § 93.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.640 - Certificate of nomination—Requisites.

RCW 29A.56.640
Certificate of nomination—Requisites.
A certificate evidencing nominations made at a convention must:
(1) Be in writing;
(2) Contain the name of each person nominated, his or her residence, the office for which he or she is named, and a sworn statement from both nominees giving their consent to the nomination;
(3) Identify the minor political party or the independent candidate on whose behalf the convention was held;
(4) Be verified by the oath of the presiding officer and secretary;
(5) Be accompanied by a nominating petition or petitions bearing the signatures and addresses of at least one thousand registered voters of the state of Washington;
(6) Contain proof of publication of the notice of calling the convention; and
(7) Be submitted to the secretary of state not later than the first Friday of August.
[ 2013 c 11 § 28; 2004 c 271 § 154. Formerly RCW 29A.20.161.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.650 - Multiple certificates of nomination.

RCW 29A.56.650
Multiple certificates of nomination.
(1) If two or more valid certificates of nomination are filed purporting to nominate different candidates for the same position using the same party name, the filing officer must give effect to both certificates. If conflicting claims to the party name are not resolved either by mutual agreement or by a judicial determination of the right to the name, the candidates must be treated as independent candidates. Disputes over the right to the name must not be permitted to delay the printing of either ballots or a voters' pamphlet. Other candidates nominated by the same conventions may continue to use the partisan affiliation unless a court of competent jurisdiction directs otherwise.
(2) A person affected may petition the superior court of the county in which the filing officer is located for a judicial determination of the right to the name of a minor political party, either before or after documents are filed with the filing officer. The court shall resolve the conflict between competing claims to the use of the same party name according to the following principles: (a) The prior established public use of the name during previous elections by a party composed of or led by the same individuals or individuals in documented succession; (b) prior established public use of the name earlier in the same election cycle; (c) the nomination of a more complete slate of candidates for a number of offices or in a number of different regions of the state; (d) documented affiliation with a national or statewide party organization with an established use of the name; (e) the first date of filing of a certificate of nomination; and (f) such other indicia of an established right to use of the name as the court may deem relevant. If more than one filing officer is involved, and one of them is the secretary of state, the petition must be filed in the superior court for Thurston county. Upon resolving the conflict between competing claims, the court may also address any ballot designation for the candidate who does not prevail.
[ 2004 c 271 § 155. Formerly RCW 29A.20.171.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.660 - Presidential electors—Selection at convention.

RCW 29A.56.660
Presidential electors—Selection at convention.
A minor political party or independent candidate convention nominating candidates for the offices of president and vice president of the United States shall, not later than ten days after the adjournment of the convention, submit a list of presidential electors to the office of the secretary of state. The list shall contain the names and the mailing addresses of the persons selected and shall be verified by the presiding officer of the convention.
[ 2004 c 271 § 156. Formerly RCW 29A.20.181.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.56 - Special Circumstances Elections. › 29A.56.670 - Certificate of nomination—Checking signatures—Appeal of determination.

RCW 29A.56.670
Certificate of nomination—Checking signatures—Appeal of determination.
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.
[ 2013 c 11 § 29; 2004 c 271 § 157. Formerly RCW 29A.20.191.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.60 - Canvassing. › 29A.60.010 - Conduct of elections—Canvass.

RCW 29A.60.010
Conduct of elections—Canvass.
All elections, whether special or general, held under RCW 29A.04.321 and 29A.04.330 must be conducted by the county auditor as ex officio county supervisor of elections and, except as provided in RCW 29A.60.240, the returns canvassed by the county canvassing board.
[ 2013 c 11 § 59; 2003 c 111 § 1501; 1965 c 123 § 4; 1965 c 9 § 29.13.040. Prior: 1963 c 200 § 6; 1955 c 55 § 3; 1951 c 257 § 4; 1951 c 101 § 4; 1949 c 161 § 5; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 5153-1. Formerly RCW 29.13.040.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.60 - Canvassing. › 29A.60.040 - Rejection of ballots or parts—Write-in votes.

RCW 29A.60.040
Rejection of ballots or parts—Write-in votes.
A ballot is invalid and no votes on that ballot may be counted if it is found folded together with another ballot.
Those parts of a ballot are invalid and no votes may be counted for those issues or offices where more votes are cast for the office or issue than are permitted by law; write-in votes do not contain all of the information required under RCW 29A.60.021; or that issue or office is not marked with sufficient definiteness to determine the voter's choice or intention. No write-in vote may be rejected due to a variation in the form of the name if the canvassing board can determine the issue for or against which or the person and the office for which the voter intended to vote.
[ 2011 c 10 § 47; 2009 c 414 § 2; 2003 c 111 § 1504. Prior: 1999 c 158 § 13; 1999 c 157 § 4; 1990 c 59 § 56; 1977 ex.s. c 361 § 88; 1973 1st ex.s. c 121 § 2; 1965 ex.s. c 101 § 11; 1965 c 9 § 29.54.050; prior: (i) Code 1881 § 3091; 1865 p 38 § 2; RRS § 5336. (ii) 1895 c 156 § 10; 1889 p 411 § 29; RRS § 5294. (iii) 1905 c 39 § 1, part; 1889 p 405 § 15, part; RRS § 5272, part. (iv) 1895 c 156 § 11, part; 1886 p 128 § 1, part; Code 1881 § 3079, part; 1865 p 34 § 4, part; RRS § 5323, part. Formerly RCW 29.54.050.]
NOTES:
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
Intent—Effective date—1990 c 59: See notes following RCW 29A.04.013.
Effective date—Severability—1977 ex.s. c 361: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.60 - Canvassing. › 29A.60.050 - Questions on validity of ballot—Rejection—Preservation and return.

RCW 29A.60.050
Questions on validity of ballot—Rejection—Preservation and return.
Whenever the counting center personnel have a question about the validity of a ballot or the votes for an office or issue that they are unable to resolve, they shall prepare and sign a concise record of the facts in question or dispute. These ballots shall be delivered to the canvassing board for processing. A ballot is not considered rejected until the canvassing board has rejected the ballot individually, or the ballot was included in a batch or on a report of ballots that was rejected in its entirety by the canvassing board. All ballots shall be preserved in the same manner as valid ballots for that primary or election.
[ 2011 c 10 § 48; 2005 c 243 § 13; 2003 c 111 § 1505. Prior: 1990 c 59 § 57; 1977 ex.s. c 361 § 89; 1965 c 9 § 29.54.060; prior: Code 1881 § 3080, part; 1865 p 34 § 5, part; RRS § 5324, part. Formerly RCW 29.54.060.]
NOTES:
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
Intent—Effective date—1990 c 59: See notes following RCW 29A.04.013.
Effective date—Severability—1977 ex.s. c 361: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.60 - Canvassing. › 29A.60.060 - Results after close of voting.

RCW 29A.60.060
Results after close of voting.
After the close of voting at 8:00 p.m., the county auditor must directly load the results from any direct recording electronic memory pack into the central accumulator.
[ 2013 c 11 § 60; 2011 c 10 § 49; 2003 c 111 § 1506. Prior: 1999 c 158 § 12. Formerly RCW 29.54.097.]
NOTES:
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.60 - Canvassing. › 29A.60.070 - Returns, precinct and cumulative—Delivery.

RCW 29A.60.070
Returns, precinct and cumulative—Delivery.
The county auditor shall produce cumulative and precinct returns for each primary and election and deliver them to the canvassing board for verification and certification. The precinct and cumulative returns of any primary or election are public records under chapter 42.56 RCW.
Cumulative returns for state offices, judicial offices, the United States senate, and congress must be electronically transmitted to the secretary of state immediately.
[ 2005 c 274 § 249; 2005 c 243 § 14; 2003 c 111 § 1507. Prior: 1990 c 59 § 60. Formerly RCW 29.54.105.]
NOTES:
Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2005 c 243 § 14 and by 2005 c 274 § 249, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Intent—Effective date—1990 c 59: See notes following RCW 29A.04.013.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.60 - Canvassing. › 29A.60.090 - Voting systems—Maintenance of documents.

RCW 29A.60.090
Voting systems—Maintenance of documents.
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.
[ 2003 c 111 § 1509. Prior: 1990 c 59 § 61; 1977 ex.s. c 361 § 94. Formerly RCW 29.54.170.]
NOTES:
Intent—Effective date—1990 c 59: See notes following RCW 29A.04.013.
Effective date—Severability—1977 ex.s. c 361: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.60 - Canvassing. › 29A.60.095 - Electronic voting devices—Record maintenance.

RCW 29A.60.095
Electronic voting devices—Record maintenance.
(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.
[ 2005 c 242 § 3.]
NOTES:
Required: RCW 29A.12.085.
Unauthorized removal of paper record from voting center: RCW 29A.84.545.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.60 - Canvassing. › 29A.60.100 - Votes by stickers, printed labels, rejected.

RCW 29A.60.100
Votes by stickers, printed labels, rejected.
Votes cast by stickers or printed labels are not valid for any purpose and shall be rejected. Votes cast by sticker or label shall not affect the validity of other offices or issues on the voter's ballot.
[ 2003 c 111 § 1510. Prior: 1990 c 59 § 46; 1965 ex.s. c 101 § 16. Formerly RCW 29.51.175.]
NOTES:
Intent—Effective date—1990 c 59: See notes following RCW 29A.04.013.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.60 - Canvassing. › 29A.60.110 - Ballot containers, sealing, opening.

RCW 29A.60.110
Ballot containers, sealing, opening.
(1) Immediately after their tabulation, all ballots counted at a ballot counting center must be sealed in containers that identify the primary or election and be retained for at least sixty days or according to federal law, whichever is longer.
(2) In the presence of major party observers who are available, ballots may be removed from the sealed containers at the elections department and consolidated into one sealed container for storage purposes. The containers may only be opened by the canvassing board as part of the canvass, to conduct recounts, to conduct a random check under RCW 29A.60.170, to conduct an audit under RCW 29A.60.185, or by order of the superior court in a contest or election dispute. If the canvassing board opens a ballot container, it shall make a full record of the additional tabulation or examination made of the ballots. This record must be added to any other record of the canvassing process in that county.
[ 2018 c 218 § 4; 2013 c 11 § 61; 2011 c 10 § 50; 2003 c 111 § 1511; 1999 c 158 § 14; 1990 c 59 § 59. Formerly RCW 29.54.075.]
NOTES:
Intent—2018 c 218: See note following RCW 29A.60.185.
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
Intent—Effective date—1990 c 59: See notes following RCW 29A.04.013.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.60 - Canvassing. › 29A.60.120 - Counting ballots—Official returns.

RCW 29A.60.120
Counting ballots—Official returns.
(1) All voted ballots must be manually inspected for damage, write-in votes, and incorrect or incomplete marks. If it is found that any ballot is damaged so that it cannot properly be counted by the vote tallying system, a true duplicate copy must be made of the damaged ballot in the presence of witnesses and substituted for the damaged ballot. All damaged ballots must be kept by the county auditor until sixty days after the primary or election or according to federal law, whichever is longer.
(2) The returns produced by the vote tallying system, to which have been added the counts of questioned ballots, and write-in votes, constitute the official returns of the primary or election in that county.
[ 2011 c 10 § 51; 2003 c 111 § 1512; 1999 c 158 § 15; 1990 c 59 § 33; 1977 ex.s. c 361 § 74. Formerly RCW 29.54.085, 29.34.167.]
NOTES:
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
Intent—Effective date—1990 c 59: See notes following RCW 29A.04.013.
Effective date—Severability—1977 ex.s. c 361: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.60 - Canvassing. › 29A.60.125 - Damaged ballots.

RCW 29A.60.125
Damaged ballots.
If inspection of the ballot reveals a physically damaged ballot or ballot that may be otherwise unreadable or uncountable by the tabulating system, the county auditor may refer the ballot to the county canvassing board or duplicate the ballot if so authorized by the county canvassing board. The voter's original ballot may not be altered. A ballot may be duplicated only if the intent of the voter's marks on the ballot is clear and the electronic voting equipment might not otherwise properly tally the ballot to reflect the intent of the voter. Ballots must be duplicated by teams of two or more people working together. When duplicating ballots, the county auditor shall take the following steps to create and maintain an audit trail of the action taken:
(1) Each original ballot and duplicate ballot must be assigned the same unique control number, with the number being marked upon the face of each ballot, to ensure that each duplicate ballot may be tied back to the original ballot;
(2) A log must be kept of the ballots duplicated, which must at least include:
(a) The control number of each original ballot and the corresponding duplicate ballot;
(b) The initials of at least two people who participated in the duplication of each ballot; and
(c) The total number of ballots duplicated.
Original and duplicate ballots must be sealed in secure storage at all times, except during duplication, inspection by the canvassing board, tabulation, or to conduct an audit under RCW 29A.60.185.
[ 2018 c 218 § 8; 2005 c 243 § 10.]
NOTES:
Intent—2018 c 218: See note following RCW 29A.60.185.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.60 - Canvassing. › 29A.60.130 - Certificate not withheld for informality in returns.

RCW 29A.60.130
Certificate not withheld for informality in returns.
No certificate shall be withheld on account of any defect or informality in the returns of any election, if it can with reasonable certainty be ascertained from such return what office is intended, and who is entitled to such certificate, nor shall any commission be withheld by the governor on account of any defect or informality of any return made to the office of the secretary of state.
[ 2003 c 111 § 1513. Prior: 1965 c 9 § 29.27.120; prior: Code 1881 § 3102; 1865 p 41 § 13; RRS § 5347. Formerly RCW 29.27.120.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.60 - Canvassing. › 29A.60.140 - Canvassing board—Membership—Authority—Delegation of authority—Rule making.

RCW 29A.60.140
Canvassing board—Membership—Authority—Delegation of authority—Rule making.
(1) Members of the county canvassing board are the county auditor, who is the chair, the county prosecuting attorney, and the chair of the county legislative body. If a member of the board is not available to carry out the duties of the board, then the auditor may designate a deputy auditor, the prosecutor may designate a deputy prosecuting attorney, and the chair of the county legislative body may designate another member of the county legislative body or, in a county with a population over one million, an employee of the legislative body who reports directly to the chair. An "employee of the legislative body" means an individual who serves in any of the following positions: Chief of staff; legal counsel; clerk of the council; policy staff director; and any successor positions to these positions should these original positions be changed. Any such designation may be made on an election-by-election basis or may be on a permanent basis until revoked by the designating authority. Any such designation must be in writing, and if for a specific election, must be filed with the county auditor not later than the day before the first day duties are to be undertaken by the canvassing board. If the designation is permanent until revoked by the designating authority, then the designation must be on file in the county auditor's office no later than the day before the first day the designee is to undertake the duties of the canvassing board. Members of the county canvassing board designated by the county auditor, county prosecuting attorney, or chair of the county legislative body shall complete training as provided in RCW 29A.04.540 and shall take an oath of office similar to that taken by county auditors and deputy auditors in the performance of their duties.
(2) The county canvassing board may adopt rules that delegate in writing to the county auditor or the county auditor's staff the performance of any task assigned by law to the canvassing board.
(3) The county canvassing board may not delegate the responsibility of certifying the returns of a primary or election, of determining the validity of challenged ballots, or of determining the validity of provisional ballots referred to the board by the county auditor.
(4) The county canvassing board shall adopt administrative rules to facilitate and govern the canvassing process in that jurisdiction.
(5) Meetings of the county canvassing board are public meetings under chapter 42.30 RCW. All rules adopted by the county canvassing board must be adopted in a public meeting under chapter 42.30 RCW, and once adopted must be available to the public to review and copy under chapter 42.56 RCW.
[ 2008 c 308 § 1; 2005 c 274 § 250; 2003 c 111 § 1514.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.60 - Canvassing. › 29A.60.150 - Procedure when member a candidate.

RCW 29A.60.150
Procedure when member a candidate.
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.
[ 2003 c 111 § 1515; 1995 c 139 § 3; 1965 c 9 § 29.62.030. Prior: 1957 c 195 § 16; prior: (i) Code 1881 § 3098; 1865 p 39 § 8; RRS § 5345. (ii) 1919 c 163 § 21, part; Code 1881 § 3095, part; 1868 p 20 § 1, part; 1865 p 39 § 6, part; RRS § 5340, part. Formerly RCW 29.62.030.]