Running for office

To become a candidate, you must complete and file a Declaration of Candidacy, meet the qualifications for the office at the time of filing, and be registered to vote in the district. Read the Candidate Manual for more information.

Online voters' pamphlet filing

Public Health Notice

As part of the continued effort to stop the spread of CoVID-19 in our community, King County Elections strongly recommends filing online. Those who do come in person will be required to wear a face covering that covers their nose and mouth. If you have any questions or need assistance, please email elections@kingcounty.gov or give us a call at 206-296-VOTE (8683).

Drainage Districts Candidate Filing Period
December 11-15, 2023

In accordance with the provisions of RCW 85.38.070 and 85.38.120, King County Elections announces there will be an election on February 6, 2024, for:

• King County Drainage District No. 1
  • Commissioner Position No. 2, full 6-year term
  • Commissioner Position No. 1, full 6-year term
  • Commissioner Position No. 2, unexpired 4-year term
  • Commissioner Position No. 3, unexpired 2-year term
  • Commissioner Position No. 1, full 6-year term
  • Commissioner Position No. 1, full 6-year term
  • Commissioner Position No. 1, full 6-year term
  • Commissioner Position No. 2, unexpired 4-year term
  • Commissioner Position No. 1, full 6-year term

  The candidate filing period will begin on Monday, December 11, at 8:30 a.m. and will end at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, December 15, 2023. No filing fee is charged. Candidates who wish to file must complete a Drainage District Declaration of Candidacy .Declarations must be in the Elections Office by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, December 15, 2023. Postmarks do not satisfy this requirement.

  A 150-word candidate statement may also be submitted. The deadline to submit the statement is Friday, December 15, 2023, by 4:30 p.m.

  The deadline to withdraw from office is Monday, December 18, 2023, by 4:30 p.m. To withdraw, you must submit a signed request that your name be removed from the ballot.

  Who has filed

  Candidate resources

  • Candidate Manual
  • Precinct Committee Officer (PCO) Manual
  • Offices Subject to Election
    • Printable format
    • Comma-delimited format
    • Get to know the PDC handout
    • Democracy Voucher Program
    • Seattle Ethics and Elections

    Online filing

    • Online candidate filing
      • Online candidate filing FAQs
      • Online voters' pamphlet filing FAQs

      Paper forms

      • Declaration of Candidacy
      • Declaration of Write-In Candidacy
      • PCO Declaration of Candidacy
      • Filing fee petition
      • Campaign contact information update form
      • Withdrawal of Candidacy

      Subscribe to candidate notifications

      Subscribe to alerts for candidates, campaign managers, and others interested in running for office. Includes notices about campaign filing, deadlines, etc.

      Online candidate filing FAQs

      When is online candidate filing available?

      Online candidate filing is available 24 hours a day starting May 17, 2021, at 9 a.m. and ending on May 21, 2021, at 4 p.m.

      What do I need before I start filing for office?

      Before you file for office you will need to:

      • Verify that you are registered to vote in the district for which you are filing.
      • Verify that your voter registration information is correct by logging into My Voter Information.
      • If your registration information is not correct, call us at 206-296-1565 before starting to file.
      • Read the Candidate Manual .

      What offices do not file in King County?

      The following districts must file with the Secretary of State's Office :

      • US Senator
      • US Representative
      • State Supreme Court
      • State Senator and Representative for Legislative Districts 1, 30, 31, 32, and 39

      The following districts must file with the primary filing officer:

      • City of Milton - Pierce County
      • East Pierce Fire & Rescue - Pierce County
      • Fife School District No. 417 - Pierce County
      • Snoqualmie Pass Fire Protection District No. 51 – Kittitas County
      • Snoqualmie Pass Utility District – Kittitas County

      What information will I need to complete my filing?

      When you are ready to file for office, you will need:

      • First and last name as you are registered to vote
      • Date of birth
      • Residential address
      • Campaign contact information (if any)
      • Email address
      • Phone number
      • Valid credit card (if there is a filing fee)
        • If you are submitting a filing fee petition, you must file in person at the Elections office in Renton

        If I withdraw my filing, will the filing fee amount be refunded?

        No, all filing fees are non-refundable (RCW 29A.24.131).

        I do not currently live in the district but will be moving soon. Can I list an address I do not yet live at?

        No, you must meet all of the qualifications for the office at the time of filing. Knowingly providing false information on the declaration of candidacy is a class C felony (RCW 29A.04.311).

        I updated my voter registration today. Why isn’t that change showing online?

        Online registrations and changes are not processed immediately. If you have any questions about your voter registration or address changes, call us at 206-296-1565.