Running for Local Office? Filing Week Begins May 5
March 10, 2025
by
Linda Gallagher
Category:
Elections
Running for local elected office involves many factors, including an understanding of the legal framework, election processes, and community engagement strategies.
Whether you’re running for the first time, running for reelection, seeking to run for a different office, or supporting other candidates, this blog provides an overview of considerations related to election campaigns, including new laws. I also introduce MRSC’s recently published webpage on this subject that provides more in-depth resources.
Filing Week is May 5–9 This Year
The candidate filing week is a critical period for those intending to run for office. The candidate filing week now begins on the first Monday in May (rather than “two Mondays before Memorial Day,” as had been the deadline in previous years).
This year, filing week starts on Monday, May 5 and ends on Friday, May 9. Mark your calendars and tell your friends and colleagues. Also, if your agency lists candidate filing information on its website, be sure to check that the right dates are listed.
The filing process is governed by chapter 29A.24 RCW, which includes the requirements for submitting candidacy forms and any associated fees. RCW 29A.24.050 notes that declarations of candidacy:
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.
During this time, candidates are required to submit their declaration of candidacy form in person, electronically, or by mail to the appropriate elections office. Candidacy forms may be found on the your local county auditor’s website and the Washington Secretary of State’s webpage, Candidate Filing Forms.
These declarations demonstrate eligibility for office and provide contact information. Candidates may want to prepare their declarations several days or even weeks in advance to ensure a smooth filing process.
Candidate Statements for Voter Pamphlets
Candidates also have the opportunity to provide personal statements for local voter pamphlets. These are due shortly after the filing week closes, and candidates should consult their elections officials as part of the process, as there are often local rules to follow in submitting these statements.
Since 2023, RCW 29A.32.230 has provided that county auditors or, if applicable, the city clerk, adopt and publish rules for voter pamphlets that include “deadlines for submission of candidates' statements not sooner than 11 days following the deadline for filing declarations of candidacy under RCW 29A.24.050.”
This year, the deadlines to submit candidate statements may not be sooner than Tuesday, May 20, 2025.
Candidate Eligibility Requirements
To run for local office in Washington State, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria in the state constitution and statutes. Generally, a candidate must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, a registered voter, and resident of the jurisdiction in which they intend to run for local office.
Some jurisdictions have additional requirements (our new webpage covers these requirements in detail). For example, any candidate for city council in noncharter code cities must be a city resident for at least one year preceding the date of the election to hold office (see RCW 35A.12.030 for mayor-council code cities and RCW 35A.13.020 for council-manager code cities).
Deciding to Run for Office
Deciding to run for office is a significant decision that involves evaluating personal motivations, understanding the responsibilities of the position, and assessing the impact on one’s personal and professional life.
Prospective candidates should consider attending public meetings, consulting with current or former officeholders, and reviewing media coverage of public agencies to gain insights into the role. Understanding the commitment required for the position is also crucial, as some roles demand more time and resources than others.
Engaging with the Community
Community engagement is a vital component of running for office. Candidates typically reach out on various platforms to connect with constituents, including through social media, public forums, and community events. Utilizing digital tools and platforms may enhance outreach efforts and facilitate meaningful interactions with voters. Engaging with underrepresented groups is particularly important to ensure diverse representation and to address community-specific concerns.
Campaign Finance and Legal Considerations
Candidates must also follow campaign finance laws, which may include reporting contributions and expenditures to the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC).
It is also essential to understand the restrictions on using public facilities for campaign activities, as outlined in RCW 42.17A.555. This statute prohibits current government officials and employees from using public resources to support or oppose candidates for office or ballot measures.
Once a person interested in running for office announces that they are running, this may trigger reporting obligations to the PDC even before a declaration of candidacy. We encourage interested people to visit the PDC’s For Candidates webpages for candidate guidance and resources.
MRSC’s New Webpage: Focused on Local Candidates Resources
In January of this year we published a new webpage, Running for Local Elected Office, which offers comprehensive resources about running for local elected offices, including for positions on a governing body (e.g., city council, county commission, fire district board) and for executive positions (e.g., mayor, county auditor, sheriff).
Running for Local Elected Office updates and covers in greater detail state laws and rules governing running for office and is part of our series of webpages on local elections.
Now that these pages are in place, MRSC will be retiring our older “Getting Into Office” publication, so please turn to our website when researching your questions on local government elections and candidate resources.
Conclusion and Resources
Running for local office may be a rewarding opportunity to serve one’s community and influence local governance. By understanding the eligibility requirements, filing week, voter pamphlet statements, community outreach, and the PDC’s legal and financial regulations, candidates can effectively campaign for a position in local government.
For more detailed guidance, here are links to additional resources:
MRSC is a private nonprofit organization serving local governments in Washington State. Eligible government agencies in Washington State may use our free, one-on-one Ask MRSC service to get answers to legal, policy, or financial questions.
About Linda Gallagher
Linda Gallagher joined MRSC in 2017. She previously served as a Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for King County and as an Assistant Attorney General.
Linda’s municipal law experience includes risk management, torts, civil rights, transit, employment, workers compensation, eminent domain, vehicle licensing, law enforcement, corrections, and public health.
She graduated from the University of Washington School of Law.
