Candidate Manualyour.kingcounty.gov/elections/candidate/pdfs/candidate-manual.pdf20 21 22 23 24 25...
Transcript of Candidate Manualyour.kingcounty.gov/elections/candidate/pdfs/candidate-manual.pdf20 21 22 23 24 25...
2015 Candidate Manual
mail/office 919SWGradyWay Renton,WA98057
phone 206-296-1565
fax 206-296-0108
email [email protected]
web www.kingcounty.gov/elections
Updated:February5,2015
A letter from the Director, Sherril Huff
Dearcandidateorcampaignmanager,
Congratulationsonyourdecisiontoseekpublicofficeorhelpacandidatewiththeircampaign.Acandidate’swillingnesstoserveinelectedofficegivesvotersmorechoicesandstrengthensourdemocracy.KingCountyElectionshasresourcestoassistyou.
Whetheryouareanexperiencedcandidateorcampaignmanagerorentirelynewtothisprocess,Iencourageyoutoreviewthismanualthoroughly.ItprovidesanupdatedsummaryaboutfilingforofficeinKingCounty,includingchangesinelectionlawsandrequirements.Theinformationinthismanualdoesnottaketheplaceoflocal,stateorfederallaws.
Pleasetakenoteoftwoimportantchangesthisyear:
• ThedeadlineforcandidatestatementsisnowtheWednesdayaftertheendofcandidatefiling.Thatwouldmakethisyear’sdeadlineMay20,earlierthanpreviousyears.Therewasnochangetothedeadlineforballotmeasurestatements.
• Wehaveclarifiedtherulesforprohibitedformatting(bold,allcapitallettersorunderlining)instatementsforcandidatesandballotmeasures.Electionsstaffwillconvertprohibitedformattingtoallowedformattingsuchasitalics.Wewillnotnotifythestatementwritersofthischangeinadvance.
Formoreinformation:
Website:www.kingcounty.gov/elections
Email:[email protected]
Phone:206-296-1565
Wetakegreatprideintheworkwedotoensureaccurateandsecureelections.Weinviteyoutotourourheadquarters.Visitourwebsiteformoreinformation.
BestRegards,
SherrilHuff,DirectorKingCountyElections
2015ElectionCalendarCandidatefilingdates 6Primaryandgeneralelectiondates 6Primaryandgeneralelectioncalendar 6
FilingtobeaCandidateBecomingacandidate 10Whentofile 10Wheretofile 10Costtofile 11Filingfeepetitions 11Gettingreadytofile 12Yournameontheballot 12Partisanoffices-partypreferences 12
Write-inCandidateBecominganofficialwrite-incandidate 15Whentofile 15Wheretofile 15Costtofile 16Filingfeepetitions 16
Voters’PamphletInformationWheretofile 18Yourphoto 18Wordlimits 18Formatting 19
CampaignContributionsWheretofile 22Informationforcountyoffices(Assessor,CountyCouncil,DirectorofElections,Executive,andSheriff) 22Contributionlimitsforcountyoffices 22
BallotOrderBallotorder 23Orderofoffices 23Orderofmeasures 24Orderofcandidates 24
VoterStatisticsandDataHistoricalturnoutinformation 25Generaldatarequestinformation 25Voterdatarequests 25Mailballotreturndatarequests 26Signaturechallengedatarequests 26
VoterRegistrationGuidelinesVoterregistrationdrives 27Whocanregistertovote 28Completingthevoterregistrationform 28Voterregistrationdeadlines 28Voterconcerninformation 29
CampaignSignRegulationsTheroleofKingCountyElections 30Whattodoaboutsignsillegallyplaced 31WashingtonStatesignregulations 31
ObservingElectionsPublicaccessatKingCountyElections 32Liveelectioncams 32VideoTourofKingCountyElections 32Takeaself-guidedtourofElections 32
InformationcontainedintheCandidateManualissubjecttochange.Consultthemanualonlineforthemostupdatedinformation.
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Contents
Legend
Thissymboldenotesimportantdeadlines.
Thissymboldenotesgeneralinformation.
Thissymboldenotesimportantinformation.
Thissymboldenotescontactinformation.
KingCountyElections206-296-1565election.operations@kingcounty.govwww.kingcounty.gov/elections
chap
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6Chapter 1 2015 Election Calendar
Candidatefilingdates
CandidatefilingopenstheMondaytwoweekspriortoMemorialdayandendsthefollowingFriday.Thekeyfilingdatesfor2015are:
• In-personcandidatefiling:Monday,May11at8:30a.m.throughFriday,May15at4:30p.m.
• Onlinecandidatefiling:Monday,May11at9a.m.throughFriday,May15at4p.m.
ThedeadlineforcandidatestowithdrawisthecloseofbusinesstheMondayfollowingthecloseofcandidatefiling.Thewithdrawaldeadlinefor2015is:
• Deadlineforcandidatestowithdraw:Monday,May18at4:30p.m.
Primaryandgeneralelectiondates
Theprimaryelectionisheldthe1stTuesdayinAugustofeachyearandthegeneralelectionisheldonthe1stTuesdayafterthe1stMondayinNovemberofeachyear.Theprimaryandgeneralelectiondatesfor2015are:
• Primaryelection:Tuesday,August4,2015
• Generalelection:Tuesday,November3,2015
Even-numbersyearsarewhenfederal,state,legislative,andsomejudicialofficesappearonthegeneralelectionballot.Odd-numberedyearsarewhencounty,port,somejudicial,city,school,andspecialpurposedistrictofficesappearonthegeneralelectionballot.
Primaryandgeneralelectioncalendar
Orangecoloredboxesindicateprimaryelectiondatesandgreencoloredboxesindicategeneralelectiondates.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
May
10 11CandidatefilingbeginsIn-personat8:30a.m.Onlineat9a.m.
12 13 14 15CandidatefilingendsIn-personat4:30p.m.Onlineat4p.m.
16
CandidatefilingRCW29A.24.05017 18
Lastdayforcandidatestowithdrawby4:40p.m.RCW29A.24.131
19 20Localvoters’pamphletsubmissionsdueby4:30p.m.
21 22 23
24 25ElectionsofficeclosedinobservanceofMemorialDay
26 27 28 29 30
2015 Election CalendarImportantelectiondatesanddeadlinesforcandidates.
7Chapter 1 2015 Election Calendar
Primaryandgeneralelectioncalendar(continued)Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
June
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12Localvoters’pamphletproofssenttocandidatesforreview
13
14 15Candidateresponsesforlocalvoters’pamphletproofs+campaigncontactinformationupdatesdueby4:30p.m.
16 17 18 19Overseasandserviceballotsmailed
Onlinevoterguideavailable
Ballottrackeravailable
20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
July 1 2 3
ElectionsofficeclosedinobservanceofIndependenceDay
4
5 6Deadlineformail-inregistrationsandtransfersRCW29A.08.140
7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14VoterpamphletsmailedtoallresidentialhouseholdsinKingcounty
15Ballotsmailed
ViewingLoopopens
1624hourdropboxesopen
17AccessiblevotingcenteropensatElectionsOffice
Deadlinetofileasawrite-incandidateby4:30p.m.
18
19 201stdaycandidatesmaysubmitalocalvoters’pamphletstatementforthegeneralelection
21 22 23 24 25
26 27Deadlineforin-personregistrationsRCW29A.08.140
28 29 30 31
8Chapter 1 2015 Election Calendar
Primaryandgeneralelectioncalendar(continued)Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
August 1
Scheduleddropvansopen
2 3 4
ElectionDay5 6 7
Localvoters’pamphletsubmissionsforthegeneraldueby4:30p.m.
8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18ElectioncertificationRCW29A.50.190ViewingLoopcloses
19 20Deadlinetofileapplicationforrecountby4:30p.m.RCW29A.64.011
21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Septem
ber 1
ElectionsofficeclosedinobservanceofLaborDay
2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11Localvoters’pamphletproofssenttocandidatesforreview
12
13 14Candidateresponsesforlocalvoters’pamphletproofs+campaigncontactinformationupdatesdueby4:30p.m.
15 16 17 18Overseasandserviceballotsmailed
Onlinevoterguideavailable
Ballottrackeravailable
19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30
9Chapter 1 2015 Election Calendar
Primaryandgeneralelectioncalendar(continued)Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
October 1 2 3
4 5Deadlineformail-inregistrationsandtransfersRCW29A.08.140
6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13VoterpamphletsmailedtoallresidentialhouseholdsinKingcounty
14Ballotsmailed
ViewingLoopopens
1524hourdropboxesopen
16AccessiblevotingcenteropensatElectionsOffice
Deadlinetofileasawrite-incandidateby4:30p.m.
17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26Deadlineforin-personregistrationsRCW29A.08.140
27 28 29 30 31Scheduleddropvansopen
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Novem
ber 1 2 3
ElectionDay4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11ElectionsofficeclosedinobservanceofVeteransDay
12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24ElectioncertificationRCW29A.50.190ViewingLoopcloses
25 26ElectionsofficeclosedinobservanceofThanksgiving
27ElectionsofficeclosedinobservanceofThanksgiving
28
29 30Deadlinetofileapplicationforrecountby4:30p.m.RCW29A.64.011
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02Becomingacandidate
Tobecomeacandidate,avotermustcompleteandfileaDeclarationofCandidacy.Votersmust,atthetimeoffiling,possessthequalificationsspecifiedbylawrequiredfortheofficeandmustbeproperlyregisteredtovoteinthedistrictrepresentedbytheofficeatthetimeoffiling.Informationaboutresidencyrequirementscanbefoundattheendofthischapter.
Tofindoutwhichofficesyoucanfileforin2015,viewthe2015OfficesSubjecttoElectiononourwebsite.Thislistincludestheofficesupforelectionin2015,thecurrentincumbent,wheretofileyourDeclarationofCandidacy,filingfeeinformation,andvoterpamphletsubmissioninformation.
Whentofile
ThecandidatefilingperiodbeginstheMondaytwoweekspriortoMemorialDayandendsthefollowingFriday.
AllDeclarationsofCandidacymustbereceivedbeforethecloseofbusinessonthelastdayofthefilingperiod.DeclarationsofCandidacyreceivedafterthisdate,regardlessofthepostmark,areinvalid.
Candidatesmayfileonlinestartingat9a.m.onthefirstdayoffilinguntil4p.m.onthelastdayoffiling.DeclarationsofCandidacyfiledinpersonmustbeduringbusinesshours.MailedDeclarationsofCandidacymaybesubmittedinadvanceuptotenbusinessdaysbeforethefilingperiodbegins.Filingsreceivedpriortothisdatewillbereturnedtothecandidate.
Wheretofile
ThefollowingofficesmustfilewiththeOfficeoftheSecretaryofState:
• PresidentandVicePresident
• USSenators
• USRepresentatives
• StateOffices
• StateSupremeCourt
• StateSenatorsandRepresentativesforLegislativeDistricts1,30,31,32,and39
Filing to be a CandidateHowtofileforoffice.
Chapter 2 Filing to be a Candidate
Filingdeadlines
MailApril27-May15,4:30p.m.,regardlessofpostmark
In-personMay11,8:30a.m.-May15,4:30p.m.
OnlineMay11,9a.m.-May15,4p.m.
OfficeoftheSecretaryofStateElectionsDivision360-902-4180elections@sos.wa.govwww.vote.wa.gov
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CandidateswhomustfilewiththeSecretaryofStatemayfileonlineorin-person.ContacttheSecretaryofState’sOfficeformoreinformationaboutfilingwiththeiroffice.
ThefollowingofficesmustfilewithKingCountyElections:
• StateSenatorsandRepresentativesforLegislativeDistricts5,11,33,34,36,37,41,43,45,46,47,and48
• KingCountyOffices
• KingCountySuperiorCourt
• DistrictCourt
• CourtofAppeals,DivisionNo.1,District,No.1
• MunicipalCourt
• CitiesandTowns(Exception:CityofMiltonfileswithPierceCounty)
• Schools(Exception:FifeSchoolDistrictNo.417fileswithPierceCounty)
• SpecialPurposeDistrictswhereamajorityofthevotersareregisteredinKingCounty(Exceptions:EastPierceFire&RescuefileswithPierceCounty,SnoqualmiePassFireProtectionDistrictNo.51andSnoqualmiePassUtilityDistrictfileswithKittitasCounty)
Costtofile
FilingfeesorfilingfeepetitionsmustaccompanytheDeclarationofCandidacyatthetimeoffiling.Thefilingfeeisbasedonthesalaryineffectatthetimeoffiling.
Filingfeesarenotrefundable,evenintheeventofawithdrawal.Ifacandidatewithdrawsandre-filesforadifferentposition,asecondfilingfeemustbepaidforthenewposition.
AcandidatewholackssufficientassetsorincomeatthetimeoffilingtopaythefilingfeeshallsubmitwiththeirDeclarationofCandidacyafilingfeepetition.AcandidatesubmittingafilingfeepetitionmustsubmitallsignatureswhenfilingtheDeclarationofCandidacy.
Toviewfilingfeeinformationforofficessubjecttoelectionin2015,viewthe2015OfficesSubjecttoElectiononourwebsite.Thislistincludestheofficesupforelectionin2015,thecurrentincumbent,wheretofileyourDeclarationofCandidacy,filingfeeinformation,andvoterpamphletsubmissioninformation.
Filingfeepetitions
Ifyouchoosetosubmitafilingfeepetitioninlieuofafilingfee,youmustsubmitallsignaturesatthetimeyoufileyourDeclarationofCandidacy.Candidatescannotsupplementthesignaturesatalaterdate.
Thepetitionmustcontainnotlessthanthenumberofsignaturesofregisteredvotersequaltothenumberofdollarsofthefilingfee.Forexample,ifthefilingfeeis$461.08,thecandidatemustsubmitnolessthan461signaturesofregisteredvoters.Thesignaturesmustbeofvotersregisteredtovotewithinthejurisdictionforwhichthecandidateisfiling.
Chapter 2 Filing to be a Candidate
12Chapter 2 Filing to be a Candidate
Asabestpractice,KingCountyElectionsrecommendsthatcandidateswhoplantosubmitafilingfeepetition,dosoasearlyaspossibleduringtheweekofcandidatefiling.Ourofficealsorecommendsthatyousubmitatleast25%moresignaturesthanrequired.
Thefilingfeepetitionformcanbefoundonourwebsite.
Gettingreadytofile
Beforeyoufileforoffice,youwillneedto:
• Verifythatyourvoterregistrationinformationiscurrent.Youcanverifyyourvoterregistrationinformationonlineatwww.myvote.wa.gov.
• Verifytheofficeandpositionforwhichyouarefiling.Theresponsibilityforfilingforthecorrectofficeisyours.Remember,filingfeesarenotrefundable.Ifyouwithdrawandre-fileforadifferentposition,youmustpayasecondfilingfeeforthenewposition.
• Makesureyoumeetthequalificationsforthatoffice.Youareresponsibleforensuringthatyoumeetallqualificationsoftheoffice.
• Decidehowyouwantyournametoappearontheballot.
• Iffilingforapartisanoffice,knowhowyouwantyourpartypreferenceinformationtoappearontheballot.
• Haveyourcampaigncontactinformationready.
Yournameontheballot
Whenfilingforoffice,youmustinputyournameexactlyasyouwishittoappearontheballot.Youmayuseanicknamebywhichyouarecommonlyknownasyourfirstname,butyourlastnamemustbethenameunderwhichyouareregisteredtovote.Forexample,ifyouareregisteredtovoteasWilliamSmithbutarecommonlyknownasBill,youmayuseBillSmithforyourballotname.
Youmaynotuseanicknamethatdenotespresentorpastoccupationormilitaryrank,useanicknamethatdenotesthecandidate’spositiononissuesorpoliticalaffiliation,oruseanicknamedesignedtointentionallymisleadvoters.
Makesureyouinputyourballotnamecorrectly,youcannotmakeanycorrectionsonceyousubmityourDeclarationofCandidacy.
Partisanoffices-partypreferences
Forapartisanoffice,youmaychoosetostateapoliticalpartythatyoupersonallyprefer.Apreferencedoesnotimplythatyouhavebeennominatedorendorsedbytheparty,orthatthepartyapprovesoforassociateswithyou.
Ifyouchoosetostateapartypreference,enterthenameoftheparty(mustbe16charactersorless).Thefirstletterofthepartypreferencewillbecapitalized(i.e.,Democratic).Ifyouwanttouseinitials,separateeachletterwithaperiod(i.e.,G.O.P.).Yourpartypreferencewillappearbelowyournameas“(Prefers_________Party)”.
13Chapter 2 Filing to be a Candidate
Ifyouchoosenottostateapartypreference,“(StatesNoPartyPreference)”willappearontheballot.
Makesureyouinputyourpartypreferenceexactlyasyouwishittoappearontheballot;youcannotmakeanychangesonceyousubmityourDeclarationofCandidacy.
Nochangestopartypreferencewillbeacceptedbetweentheprimaryandgeneralelection.
HowtofileyourDeclarationofCandidacyFilingyourDeclarationofCandidacyisimportantandasabestpractice,KingCountyElectionsrecommendsthatyousubmityourDeclarationofCandidacyasearlyaspossibleduringfilingweek.Ourofficewillnotacceptlatesubmissions.
Onlinefilingistheeasiestwaytofileforoffice.OnlinecandidatefilingopensonMonday,May11,2015,at9a.m.andisavailable24hoursadayuntilFriday,May15,2015,at4p.m.Candidatesinthesystemat4p.m.onthelastdayoffilingwillhaveuntil4:30p.m.tosubmittheirfiling.Candidateswhohavenotcompletedtheirfilingby4:30p.m.willbeshutoutofthesystemandtheirfilinginvalidated.
Candidateswhofileonlinewillreceiveaconfirmationemailwhentheirfilinghasbeenreceivedandagainwhentheirfilinghasbeenapproved.
KingCountyElectionshascreatedanonlinetrainingsessionthatdemonstrateshowtofileforoffice.Viewtheonlinetrainingbyclickingontheimageshownabove,whichwilllinkyoudirectlytothevideoonourwebsite.Candidatescanalsovisitourwebsitetowatchthetrainingsession.
CandidatesalsohavetheoptionoffilingtheirDeclarationofCandidacyin-personattheElectionsOfficeduringbusinesshours,startingonMonday,May11,2015,at8:30a.m.andendingonFriday,May15,2015,at4:30p.m.Nolatefilingswillbeaccepted.
Ifyouwillbeoutoftownandwillnothavecomputeraccessduringtheweekofcandidatefiling,youmaysubmityourDeclarationofCandidacybymailbeginningonApril27.Filingssubmittedbymailmustbereceivedby4:30p.m.onMay15,regardlessofpostmark.FilingsreceivedbymailpriortoApril27willbereturnedtothecandidate.
Oncefiled,aDeclarationofCandidacymaynotbealtered.IfyoudecideduringthefilingperiodtochangetheDeclarationofCandidacy,youmustfirstwithdrawandthenre-file.
WithdrawalofcandidacyThedeadlineforwithdrawingfromofficeistheMondayfollowingfilingweek.
Filingdeadlines
MailApril27-May15,4:30p.m.,regardlessofpostmark
In-personMay11,8:30a.m.-May15,4:30p.m.
OnlineMay11,9a.m.-May15,4p.m.
Deadlinetowithdrawcandidacy
May18,2015,at4:30p.m.
Coming soon! Click on the image below to watch a brief tutorial on how to file for office online.
14Chapter 2 Filing to be a Candidate
Towithdraw,acandidatemustsubmitasignedrequestthattheirnameberemovedfromtheballot.AWithdrawalofCandidacyformisavailableonourwebsite.Theformisalsoavailableviaalinkintheconfirmationemailsenttocandidateswhofiledforofficeonline.
Nofilingfeeswillberefunded,evenintheeventofawithdrawal.
NodoublefilingsAcandidate’snamecannotappearontheballotmorethanonce,excludingprecinctcommitteeofficer.
ResidencyRequirementsAllcandidatesmustberesidentelectorsoftheirdistrict.Aresidentelectorisacitizenresidingathis/hervoterregistrationaddress.
Office RequirementsCountyoffices Candidatesmustbeatleast21yearsofage,residentsandregisteredvotersofKing
County.CountyCouncilcandidatesmustberesidentsandregisteredvotersoftheirCountyCouncildistrict.(KingCountyCharter)
Courtofappealsjudges CandidatesmustberesidentsfornotlessthanoneyearatthetimeofappointmentorinitialelectioninthedistrictforwhichhisorherpositionwascreatedandadmittedtopracticelawinthecourtsoftheStateofWashingtonfornotlessthanfiveyearspriortotakingoffice.(RCW2.06)
Fire,water&sewerdistricts Candidatesmustbequalifiedelectors(registeredvoters)ofdistrict.(RCW42.04)
Municipalcourtjudges(otherthanSeattleMunicipalCourt)
CandidatesmustbequalifiedresidentelectorsofKingCountyandadmittedtopracticelawinthecourtsofrecordoftheStateofWashington.(RCW3.50)
Non-chartercodecities CandidatesmustberegisteredvotersatthetimeoffilingandresidentsforatleastoneyearonElectionDay.(RCW35A.12.030)
Note:AllcitiesinKingCountyare“non-chartercode”cities,exceptthecityofSeattleandthetownsofBeauxArtsVillage,HuntsPoint,Skykomish,andYarrowPoint.
Park&recreationdistricts Candidatesmustberesidentelectors(registeredvoters)ofdistrict.(RCW36.69,54.12)
Portdistricts CandidatesmustberegisteredvotersofKingCounty.(RCW53.12)Schooldistricts Candidatesmustberegisteredvotersofthedistrictordirectordistrict.MercerIsland,
VashonIslandandSkykomishSchoolDistrictcandidatesneedonlyberegisteredvotersintheschooldistrict.Candidatesofallotherschooldistrictsmustberegisteredvotersintheirdirectordistrict.(RCW28A.315,29A.24)
Statelegislature Candidatesmustbequalifiedvotersinthedistrict.(StateConstitution,ArticleII,Section7)
Stateoffices CandidatesmustbequalifiedelectorsoftheStateofWashington.(StateConstitution,ArticleIII,Section25)
Supreme,superior,district,andSeattlemunicipalcourtjudges
CandidatesmustberesidentelectorsoftheirdistrictandadmittedtopracticelawinthecourtsofrecordoftheStateofWashington.(StateConstitution,ArticleIV,Section17ArticleIII,Section25;RCW3.34,35.20)
USrepresentative Candidatesmustbeatleast25yearsofage,UScitizensandresidentsofthestateforwhichtheyshallbechosen.(USConstitution,ArticleII)
USsenate Candidatesmustbeatleast30yearsofage,UScitizensandresidentsofthestateforwhichtheyshallbechosen.(USConstitution,ArticleII)
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03Becominganofficialwrite-incandidate
Tobecomeanofficialwrite-incandidate,avotermustcompleteandfileaDeclarationofWrite-inCandidacy.TheDeclarationofWrite-inCandidacyformwillbemadeavailableonourwebsiteinMay.Votersmust,atthetimeoffiling,possessthequalificationsspecifiedbylawrequiredfortheofficeandmustbeproperlyregisteredtovoteinthedistrictrepresentedbytheofficeatthetimeoffiling.Youcannotfiletobeawrite-incandidateifyouarealreadyontheballot(exceptforprecinctcommitteeofficer)and/orhavealreadyfiledforthesameofficeattheprecedingprimary.
Tofindoutwhichofficesyoucanfileforin2015,viewthe2015OfficesSubjecttoElectiononourwebsite.Thislistincludestheofficesupforelectionin2015,thecurrentincumbent,wheretofile,andfilingfeeinformation.
Whentofile
DeclarationsofWrite-inCandidacymustbereceivedbeforethecloseofbusiness18dayspriortotheprimaryorgeneralelection.DeclarationsofWrite-inCandidacyreceivedafterthisdate,regardlessofthepostmark,areinvalid.
Wheretofile
ThefollowingofficesmustfilewiththeOfficeoftheSecretaryofState:
• PresidentandVicePresident
• USSenators
• USRepresentatives
• StateOffices
• StateSupremeCourt
• StateSenatorsandRepresentativesforLegislativeDistricts1,30,31,32,and39
Write-in CandidateInformationonhowtofileasanofficialwrite-incandidate.
Chapter 3 Write-in Candidate
Deadlinetofileaswrite-incandidate
PrimaryElection:July17,2015,at4:30p.m.
GeneralElection:October16,2015,at4:30p.m.
OfficeoftheSecretaryofStateElectionsDivision360-902-4180elections@sos.wa.govwww.vote.wa.gov
16Chapter 3 Write-in Candidate
CandidateswhomustfilewiththeSecretaryofStatemayfileonlineorin-person.ContacttheSecretaryofState’sOfficeformoreinformationaboutfilingwiththeiroffice.
ThefollowingofficesmustfilewithKingCountyElections:
• StateSenatorsandRepresentativesforLegislativeDistricts5,11,33,34,36,37,41,43,45,46,47,and48
• KingCountyOffices
• KingCountySuperiorCourt
• DistrictCourt
• CourtofAppeals,DivisionNo.1,District,No.1
• MunicipalCourt
• CitiesandTowns(Exception:CityofMiltonfileswithPierceCounty)
• Schools(Exception:FifeSchoolDistrictNo.417fileswithPierceCounty)
• SpecialPurposeDistrictswhereamajorityofthevotersareregisteredinKingCounty(Exceptions:EastPierceFire&RescuefileswithPierceCounty,SnoqualmiePassFireProtectionDistrictNo.51andSnoqualmiePassUtilityDistrictfileswithKittitasCounty)
Costtofile
FilingfeesorfilingfeepetitionsmustaccompanytheDeclarationofWrite-inCandidacyatthetimeoffiling.Thefilingfeeisbasedonthesalaryineffectatthetimeoffiling.
Filingfeesarenotrefundable,evenintheeventofawithdrawal.Ifawrite-incandidatewithdrawsandre-filesforadifferentposition,asecondfilingfeemustbepaidforthenewposition.
AcandidatewholackssufficientassetsorincomeatthetimeoffilingtopaythefilingfeeshallsubmitwiththeirDeclarationofWrite-inCandidacyafilingfeepetition.AcandidatesubmittingafilingfeepetitionmustsubmitallsignatureswhenfilingtheDeclarationofWrite-inCandidacy.
Tofindoutfilingfeeinformationforofficessubjecttoelectionin2015,viewthe2015OfficesSubjecttoElectiononourwebsite.Thislistincludestheofficesupforelectionin2015,thecurrentincumbent,wheretofileyourDeclarationofWrite-inCandidacy,andfilingfeeinformation.
Filingfeepetitions
Ifyouchoosetosubmitafilingfeepetitioninlieuofafilingfee,youmustsubmitallsignatureswhenfilingyourDeclarationofWrite-inCandidacy.Candidatescannotsupplementthesignaturesatalaterdate.
Thepetitionmustcontainnotlessthanthenumberofsignaturesofregisteredvotersequaltothenumberofdollarsofthefilingfee.Forexample,ifthefilingfeeis$461.08,thecandidatemustsubmitnolessthan461signaturesofregisteredvoters.Thesignaturesmustbeofvotersregisteredtovotewithinthejurisdictionforwhichthecandidateisfiling.Asabestpractice,ourofficerecommendsthatyousubmitatleast20%moresignaturesthanrequired.
Thefilingfeepetitionformcanbefoundonourwebsite.
17Chapter 3 Write-in Candidate
ResultsWrite-invotesarenottabulatedforindividualwrite-incandidatesunlessenoughwrite-invotesarecasttopotentiallychangetheoutcomeofarace.
QualifyingfortheballotNamesofwrite-incandidateswillnotappearontheballotorinthevoters’pamphlet.
Asadeclaredwrite-incandidateanyrecognizablevariationofyournamewillbecounted.
Ifawrite-incandidatequalifiesforthegeneralelectionbyearningasufficientnumberofvotesintheprimary,thecandidate’snamewillbeprintedonthegeneralelectionballotandinthegeneralelectionvoters’pamphlet.
Withdrawalofwrite-incandidacyWithdrawalsofwrite-incandidacymustbereceivedbeforethecloseofbusiness18dayspriortotheprimaryorgeneralelection.
Towithdraw,acandidatemustsubmitasignedrequest.AWithdrawalofCandidacyformwillbemadeavailableonourwebsiteinMay.
Nofilingfeeswillberefunded,evenintheeventofawithdrawal.
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04Wheretofile
TheSecretaryofState’sOfficeacceptsvoters’pamphletsubmissionsforfederal,statewide,legislative,andcourtofappealsoffices.AllotherofficesfilewithKingCountyElections.Thevoters’pamphletguidelinesanddeadlinesinthismanualonlypertaintocandidateswhofilewithKingCountyElections.
Wheretofileandwordlimitsforeachofficeandarelistedinthe2015OfficesSubjecttoElectiononourwebsite.Pleasenote,candidatesformulti-countyraceswillneedtofiletheirvoters’pamphletmaterialswitheachcounty.
WhentofileOurofficemustreceiveyourvoters’pamphletsubmissionfortheprimaryelectionnolaterthanWednesday,May20,2015,at4:30p.m.,regardlessofpostmark.
Candidateshavetheoptionofsubmittinganewstatementforthegeneralelection.Ifyouchoosetosubmitanewstatementand/orphotoforthegeneralelection,youcanbeginfilingasearlyasMonday,July20,2015.Yourvoters’pamphletsubmissionforthegeneralelectionmustbereceivedbyourofficenolaterthanFriday,August7,2015,at4:30p.m.,regardlessofpostmark.
Submissionsreceivedafterthedeadlinewillnotbeaccepted.Noexceptions.
Yourphoto
Youmaysubmitoneself-portraitofyourheadandshoulders.Usealight-coloredbackground,butnotwhite.Photosmustbenomorethanfiveyearsold.Clothingorinsigniathatsuggestapublicoffice(i.e.,judicialrobes,lawenforcementormilitaryuniforms)andhatsarebanned.
Yourphotomaynotbedigitallyaltered.Digitalphotosmustbeatminimum300dpiresolutionandnosmallerthan4x5inches(1200x1500pixels).
Ifyoudonotsubmitaphoto“Nophotosubmitted”willappearinthepamphlet.
Youarenotallowedtochangeyourphotoonceithasbeensubmitted.
Wordlimits
Wordlimitsvarybyofficeandarelistedinthe2015OfficesSubjecttoElectiononourwebsite.Inadditiontothestatement,eachcandidatemayincludea10wordoccupationlineanda15wordeducationline.
Voters’ Pamphlet InformationGuidelinesandinformationonhowtosubmityourvoters’pamphletinformation.
Chapter 4 Voters’ Pamphlet Information
Deadlinetofilevoters’pamphletinformation
PrimaryElection:May20,2015,at4:30p.m.
GeneralElection:August7,2015,at4:30p.m.
19Chapter 4 Voters’ Pamphlet Information
Ifnoinformationissubmittedforanyofthesections,thestatement“Noinformationsubmitted”willappearinthepamphlet.
Formatting
Spaceforeachcandidateislimited,soformattingisveryimportant.Formatyourstatementasanessay;textmustbewritteninparagraphs.Tables,lists,andbulletsarenotallowed.
Onlyuseitalicstoemphasizespecificwordsorstatements.Bolding,underlining,andallcapsarenotallowed.Words or statements submitted with prohibited formatting will be changed to italics.
Correct
Iapproveofjusticeforall,fairnessofthelaw,andrehabilitation.
Incorrect
Iapproveof:•JUSTICEforall•Fairnessofthelaw•Rehabilitation
Keepyourstatementsimpleandwriteinthenarrative.Youmayseekhelpwhenwritingyourstatementbutrememberitisultimatelyyourresponsibility.Obscene,profane,libelous,anddefamatorylanguagewillberejected.
Voterswanttoknowwhytheyshouldvoteforyou.Hereareafewtipsfromvoters:
• Treatthisasaresumeandeditcarefully.
• Giveyourvisionforthefuture.Bepositive.
• Writewhatyoustandfororsupport.
• Describeyoureducation,backgroundand/orqualifications.
• Avoidtechnicaltermsthatmaynotbegenerallyunderstood.
• Avoidcriticismofopponents.
Proofreadcarefully;yourstatementwillbeprintedexactlyasyousubmitit.Youarenotallowedtochangeyourstatementonceithasbeensubmitted.
YourcampaigncontactinformationCampaigncontactinformationisincludedinthepamphlet.Contactinformationdoesnotcounttowardsthewordlimits,butlongwebaddressessuchasFacebookorblogsarenotallowed.Youmayupdateyourcontactinformationfortheprinteditionofthelocalvoters’pamphletfortheprimaryelectionuntilJune15,2015,at4:30p.m.anduntilSeptember14,2015,at4:30p.m.forthegeneralelection.Changes
Education: Bachelor’s in Economics, State University; Master’s in Business Administration, State University
Occupation: Manager, Main Street Bank
Statement: We deserve a leader that will listen to our ideas and concerns and be proactive, not reactive, in their decision making. We deserve a leader that cares more about serving citizens than getting re-elected. We deserve a leader at city hall that can work with local businesses, instead of against them; a leader that has the knowledge to set the city on a successful course—not just for the next five years, but for the next five decades.
I am that leader.
Born and raised in this town, my roots here run deep. My family has lived here for four generations, and my husband and I are raising our three beautiful children here. As manager of the bank for the last fifteen years, I have expanded our small business loan program, creating opportunities for local businesses and organizations to make a difference in our community. This successful program has reduced the vacancy rate on Main Street to zero, creating a prosperous, revitalized Downtown.
I am an active community volunteer: as head of the PTA, I have worked with other parents to create the best learning environment for our kids; and I helped to establish our city’s block watch program, which keeps our neighborhoods safe and crime rates low.
As your mayor I will work to make our city a better place for all residents to live. I will listen to your ideas and provide forums for discussion and debate. I will make decisions based not just on immediate need, but with an eye toward the future. I will make city government more transparent and fiscally responsible.
I want to make our city the best it can be; together we can make a difference! I humbly ask for your vote.
Mayor
Liz DarcyPO Box 1813Pemberley WA 12345(555) [email protected]
Sample statement in the printed voters’ pamphlet.
20Chapter 4 Voters’ Pamphlet Information
toyourcontactinformationonourwebsitecanbemadeatanytime.CompletetheCampaignContactInformationUpdateformonourwebsite.Theformisalsoavailableviaalinkintheconfirmationemailsenttocandidateswhofiledonline.
Howtosubmityourvoters’pamphletinformationYourvoters’pamphletsubmissionisimportantandasabestpractice,KingCountyElectionsrecommendsthatyousubmityourinformationasearlyaspossible.Ourofficewillnotacceptlatesubmissions.Noexceptions.
Onlinefilingisquickandeasy!Herearesomebenefitstofilingonline:
• Youcanspellcheckyourstatement.
• Youcanverifyyourwordcount.
• Youcanuploadyourphoto.
• Youcanverifyorchangeyourcampaigncontactinformation.
• Youwillreceiveaconfirmationemailwhenyoursubmissionhasbeenreceived.
Fortheprimaryelection,onlinevoters’pamphletfilingopensonMonday,May11,2015,at9a.m.andisavailable24hoursadayuntilWednesday,May20,2015,at4:30p.m.Anycandidateswhohavenotcompletedtheirfilingby4:30p.m.willbeshutoutofthesystemandtheirvoters’pamphletinformationinvalidated.
Forthegeneralelection,onlinevoters’pamphletfilingopensonMonday,July20,2015,at9a.m.andisavailable24hoursadayuntilFriday,August7,2015,at4:30p.m.Anycandidateswhohavenotcompletedtheirfilingby4:30p.m.willbeshutoutofthesystemandtheirvoters’pamphletinformationinvalidated.
Ifyousubmittedastatementand/orphotofortheprimaryelection,youarenotrequiredtoresubmitforthegeneralelection.Ifourofficedoesnotreceiveanewstatementand/orphotofromyouforthegeneralelection,theinformationyousubmittedfortheprimaryelectionwillappearinthegeneralelectionpamphlet.
KingCountyElectionshascreatedanonlinetrainingsessionthatdemonstrateshowtosubmityourvoters’pamphletinformationonline.Viewtheonlinetrainingbyclickingontheimageshowntotheright,whichwilllinkyoudirectlytothevideoonourwebsite.Candidatescanalsovisitourwebsitetowatchthetrainingsession.
We ask that you please submit your materials as soon as possible. Oncereceived,allinformationmustbereviewed,translatedintotwoadditionallanguages,andpreparedforprinting,allofwhichmusthappeninaverytighttimeframe.Bysubmittingearly,youarehelpingusmanageourworkflowandensuringthatKingCountyvoterswillcontinuetoreceiveaqualityvoters’pamphlet.
!
Deadlinetofilevoters’pamphletinformation
PrimaryElection:May20,2015,at4:30p.m.
GeneralElection:August7,2015,at4:30p.m.
Coming soon! Click on the image below to watch a brief tutorial on how to file your voters’ pamphlet information.
21Chapter 4 Voters’ Pamphlet Information
Candidatesalsohavetheoptionofsubmittingtheirvoters’pamphletinformationin-personorbymail.Candidateswhosubmittheirinformationbymailorin-personmustalsocompleteaKingCountyLocalVoters’PamphletMaterialSubmissionForm,whichcanbefoundonourwebsite.Filingssubmittedbymailmustbereceivedby4:30p.m.onthelastdaytofile,regardlessofpostmark.
Oncefiled,yourvoters’pamphletinformationmaynotbealtered.Ifyoudecideduringthefilingperiodtochangeyoursubmission,youmustfirstwithdrawandthenre-filebythedeadline.
Withdrawalofvoters’pamphletsubmissionCandidatesmaywithdrawtheirstatementandphotoandsubmitanewstatementandphotopriortothesubmissiondeadline.Ifacandidatewithdrawstheirstatementandphotoandfailstoresubmitanewstatementandphoto,nostatementorphotowillappearinthevoters’pamphlet.
Towithdraw,acandidatemustsubmitasignedrequestwithdrawingtheiroriginalstatementandphoto.AWithdrawalofLocalVoters’PamphletSubmissionformcanbefoundonourwebsite.Alinktothisformisalsointheemailconfirmationsenttocandidateswhofileonline.
ReviewingyoursubmissionPriortopublicationofthelocalvoters’pamphlet,KingCountyElectionswillemaileachcandidateaproofoftheirstatement.Uponreceiptoftheproof,candidatesshouldensurethattherearenodiscrepanciesbetweentheproofcopyandtheinformationtheysubmitted.
Nochangestotheoriginallysubmittedstatementsorphotoswillbeaccepted.Theonlychangesthatwillbeacceptedareupdatestothecampaigncontactinformation.
Voters’pamphletreviewdeadlines
PrimaryElection:June15,2015,at4:30p.m.
GeneralElection:September14,2015,at4:30p.m.
Deadlinetowithdrawvoters’pamphletinformation
PrimaryElection:May20,2015,at4:30p.m.
GeneralElection:August7,2015,at4:30p.m.
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05Wheretofile
AllcandidatesneedtocontactthePDCdirectlywithanyquestionsregardingthefilingofPublicDisclosuredocuments.WestronglyencouragecandidatestoaccessallPDCinformationontheirwebsite.
Informationforcountyoffices(Assessor,CountyCouncil,DirectorofElections,Executive,andSheriff)
AsofDecember2012,candidatesforKingCountyelectiveofficenolongermustfileastatementoffinancialandotherinterestswiththeKingCountyEthicsProgram.AllnomineesforappointmenttoanyCountyelectiveoffice(exceptforjudicialoffices),withintwoweeksofbecominganominee,andallelectedofficialswhoaredefinedascountyemployees,shallfileastatementoffinancialandotherinterestwiththeKingCountyEthicsProgram.ThisrequirementmaybesatisfiedbyfilingasignedcopyofthePDCF-1report.Formoreinformation,contacttheKingCountyEthicsProgram.
Contributionlimitsforcountyoffices
Allpersonsandorganizations,includingpoliticalcommittees,areprohibitedfrommakingcontributionsduringtheelectioncycletotalingmorethan$1,900intheaggregatetoanycandidateforAssessor,CountyCouncil,DirectorofElections,Executive,orSheriff.
Campaign ContributionsWheretofilecampaigncontributioninformation.
Chapter 5 Campaign Contributions
WashingtonStatePublicDisclosureCommission877-601-2828www.pdc.wa.gov
EthicsProgramKingCountyOfficeofCivilRights&OpenGovernment206-263-7821board.ethics@kingcounty.govwww.kingcounty.gov/ethics
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06Ballotorder
Statelawdeterminestheorderofofficesandmeasuresontheballotatthefederalorstatelevel.Forlocalofficesandmeasures,theordertheyappearontheballotisestablishedbythecounty.
Orderofoffices
Theofficeswillappearinthefollowingorder:
• FederalOffices○ PresidentandVice-PresidentoftheUnitedStates
○ UnitedStateSenator○ UnitedStatesRepresentative
• StateOffices○ Governor○ LieutenantGovernor○ SecretaryofState○ StateTreasurer○ StateAuditor○ AttorneyGeneral○ CommissionerofPublicLands○ SuperintendentofPublicInstruction○ InsuranceCommissioner○ StateSenator○ StateRepresentative
• CountyOffices○ CountyExecutive○ ProsecutingAttorney○ Sheriff○ Assessor○ DirectorofElections○ CountyCouncil
• StateandCountyJudicialOffices.Theseappearontheballotsequentiallybydistrictand/orpositionwithineachcategory.○ JusticesoftheSupremeCourt○ JudgesoftheCourtofAppeals○ JudgesoftheSuperiorCourt○ JudgesoftheDistrictCourt
• CountywideSpecialPurposeDistricts○ PortofSeattle
• CitiesandTowns○ Mayor○ CityAttorney○ Otherelectivedepartmentpositions○ Council○ MunicipalCourtJudge
• SpecialPurposeDistricts.Directorsorcommissionerswithineachdistrictshallbeintheorderofthepositionordirectordistrictnumbersassignedtothoseoffices.○ Regionaldistrictsthatarenotcountywide○ School○ Fire○ Water○ Sewer○ Sewerandwatercombined○ Publichospital○ Airport○ Cemetery○ ParkandRecreationDistricts○ ParkandRecreationServiceAreas○ Flood,Drainage,orrelateddistricts○ CommunityMunicipalCorporations
Ballot Order Informationabouttheorderinwhichcandidatesandmeasuresappearontheballot.
Chapter 6 Ballot Order
24Chapter 6 Ballot Order
Orderofmeasures
Themeasureswillappearontheballotinthefollowingorder:
• Initiativestothepeople
• Referendummeasures
• Referendumbills
• InitiativestotheLegislatureandalternateproposals,ifany
• ProposedConstitutionalamendments
○ SenateJointResolutions
○ HouseJointResolutions
○ Advisoryvotes
• Countywideballotmeasures
Allotherlocalmeasures,ifany,appearintheareadedicatedtothatjurisdictionandfollowtheoffices.Forexample,aballotmeasureforacitywouldappearontheballotafterthecitycouncilraces.Localmeasureswouldappearinthefollowingorder:
• Initiatives
• Referendummeasures
• Proposedcharteramendments
• Allotherpropositions
MeasuresarenumberedsequentiallywithineachoftheabovecategoriesintheordertheyarereceivedbyKingCountyElections,unlessotherwiseindicatedbythejurisdictionproposingthemeasures.
Orderofcandidates
Afterthecloseoftheregularcandidatefilingperiod,KingCountyElectionswillconductalotdrawtodeterminetheorderinwhichcandidatenameswillappearontheprimaryelectionballot.
Forthegeneralelectionballot,thecandidatereceivingthemostvotesintheprimaryelectionwillappearfirstandthecandidatereceivingthesecondhighestnumberofvoteswillappearsecond.Ifaprimaryelectionisnotrequiredforanoffice,thecandidatenameswillappearonthegeneralelectionballotintheorderdeterminedbythelotdraw.
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07Historicalturnoutinformation
KingCountyElectionshistoricalturnoutinformationforprimaryandgeneralelectionsbetween2000-2014canbefoundontheKingCountyElectionswebsite.
Generaldatarequestinformation
AllvoterdatarequestsareprocessedbyKingCountyVoterServices.ContactinformationforVoterServicescanbefoundonthenextpage.Currentlistsofvoterregistrationsarepublicrecords(RCW29A.08.720).
Thisdatamaybeusedforpoliticalpurposesonly.Voterregistrationdatamaynotbeusedforcommercialpurposes.(RCW29A.08.720,RCW29A.08.740andRCW42.56.070(9))
Thereisnochargefordatarequests,unlessthedataisprovidedonpaperandisover34sheets/morethan$5.00(15¢persheetx34is$5.10).
DataisprovidedbyemailoronaCD,bothcontainingacomma-delimitedtextfile.Ifanalternateformatisneeded,contactKingCountyElectionsVoterServices.
Voterdatarequests
Dataofregisteredvoters(active,inactive,andpending)withinaspecificdistrict,including:
• Nameofregisteredvoter
• VoterID
• Voterstatus
• Registeredaddress,city,state,andzip
• Mailingaddress,ifdifferentandprovidedtoKingCountyElections
• Precinctname,number,andportion
• Dateofregistration
• Dateofbirth
• Gender
• Votinghistory(ifrequested)
Torequestthisinformation,completetheVoterDataRequestformonourwebsite.Allow1-2businessdaysforprocessing.
Voter Statistics and Data Informationaboutpastvoterturnoutandhowtorequestvoterinformation.
Chapter 7 Voter Statistics and Data
26Chapter 7 Voter Statistics and Data
Mailballotreturndatarequests
Mailballotreturndataincludesvoters(withinrequesteddistricts)eligibleforthecurrentelectiononly.Thefilewillcontainthesameinformationasavoterdatarequestbutwillalsoindicateifthevoterhasreturnedtheirballot.
Torequestthisinformation,completetheMailBallotReturnDataRequestformonourwebsite.Allow1-2businessdaysforprocessing.
Signaturechallengedatarequests
Signaturechallengedatacontainsalistofvoterswithasignaturechallengeontheirballotforthecurrentelection.Thefileincludes:
• VoterID
• Nameofregisteredvoter
• Language
• Challengecategory
• Ballotcategory
• Registeredaddress,city,state,andzip
• Mailingaddress,ifdifferentandprovidedtoKingCountyElections
• Precinctname
• Legislativedistrict
Formoreinformationaboutsignaturechallengedatarequestsortorequestthisinformation,contactouroffice.
KingCountyElections-VoterServices206-296-1608voter.services@kingcounty.govwww.kingcounty.gov/elections
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08Voterregistrationdrives
ItisthepolicyofthestateofWashingtontoencourageeveryeligiblepersontoregistertovoteandtoparticipatefullyinallelectionsandtoprotecttheintegrityoftheelectoralprocessbyprovidingequalaccesstotheprocesswhileguardingagainstdiscriminationandfraud.Makesurethepeopleofyourcommunityhaveavoiceinthenextelection.
Tipsforasuccessfuldrive:
• Planyourdrivewellinadvanceofvoterregistrationdeadlines.
• Considercoordinatingwithothergroupstomaximizeyourefforts.
• Obtainpermissionfromtheownerormanagerbeforeconductingdrivesonprivateproperty.
• ObtainformsfromyourlocalelectionsofficeortheSecretaryofState’sOffice.
• Treateveryonethesame.
• Knowhowtocompletetheformsoyoucanassistindividuals.
• Allowpeopletotakearegistrationformandsubmititthemselves.
• Letpeopleknowtheymayfilloutaformtoupdatetheirexistingregistration(namechange,addresschange,etc.)
• Assistpeoplewithdisabilitiesonlywhentheyaskforhelp.
• Havecontactinformationforthelocalelectionsofficeavailabletoaidinreferringpeople.
• Submitcompletedformswithinfivebusinessdays,bymailorinperson,tothelocalelectionsofficeorSecretaryofState’sOffice.(RCW29A.08.115)
• ReturnunusedformstothelocalelectionsofficeorSecretaryofState’sOffice.
Donot...
○ refusetogiveanyonearegistrationform.
○ offergiftsorpromotionalitemsforregisteringsomeonetovoteunlessyouofferthesameitemtosomeonewhodoesnotregistertovote.
○ acceptregistrationsyouknowtobefraudulent(seeVoterConcernInformationattheendofthischapter).
Voter Registration Guidelines Generalinformationaboutvoterregistrationdrives.
Chapter 8 Voter Registration Guidelines
28Chapter 8 Voter Registration Guidelines
Whocanregistertovote
TobeeligibletovoteinWashingtonState,aperson:
• mustbeacitizenoftheUnitedStates;
• mustbeatleast18yearsoldonorbeforeelectionday;
• musthavelivedinWashingtonStatefor30dayspriortotheelection(exceptionsapplytooverseasandservicevoters);
• mustnotmaintainaregistrationintwoormorecountiesorstatesorwithtwoormorenames;
• mustnotbeundertheauthorityoftheDepartmentofCorrections;and
• mustnotbedisqualifiedfromvotingduetoacourtorder.
Completingthevoterregistrationform
Thebelowinformationisrequiredonvoterregistrationforms:
• mustmarkcitizenshipcheckbox;
• mustincludethedateofbirth(checkfortheproperyear);
• mustincludefullname(i.e.,last,first,middleinitial,suffix);
• mustincludeaWashingtonStateresidentialaddress;
• mustincludebothmailingandresidentialaddressesifmailisnotdeliveredtotheresidentialaddress;and
• mustsigntheoath(signatureisusedtoverifyballots).
Voterregistrationdeadlines
Newvoterregistrationsandchangestovoterregistrationrecordsreceivedafterthedeadlineswillbeeffectiveonlyforfutureelections.
Bymailoronline:
• 29daysbeforeanelection.
• Changestoresidentialaddress,mailingaddress,nameorothervoterregistrationrecordinformationmustbemadebeforethisdeadline.(Ifthedeadlineisnotmet,votersmaystillvoteusingtheirpreviousvoterregistrationrecordinformation.)
• Theregistrationmustbepostmarkednolaterthanthedeadline.
In-personatthelocalelectionsoffice:
• Eightdaysbeforeanelection.
• OnlyregistrationsforvotersnotcurrentlyregisteredinthestateofWashington.
29Chapter 8 Voter Registration Guidelines
Voterconcerninformation
Ifyoubelieveyouhavewitnessedirregularities,discrimination,orfraud,pleasereporttheincidentbyaccessingtheVoterConcernFormontheSecretaryofState’swebsite.
Clearlyandspecificallystateyourconcern(s)andincludeevents,dates,times,addressesandnamespertainingtoyourconcern(s).
KingCountyElections-VoterServices206-296-1608voter.services@kingcounty.govwww.kingcounty.gov/elections
OfficeoftheSecretaryofStateElectionsDivision360-902-4180elections@sos.wa.govwww.vote.wa.gov
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09TheroleofKingCountyElections
KingCountyElectionshasnoroleintheregulationofcampaignsigns.
KingCountysignregulations
Politicalcampaignsignsaresigns,postersorhandbillspromotingorpublicizingcandidatesforpublicofficeorissuestobevotedoninageneralorspecialelection.Thecontextofpoliticalcampaignsignsislimitedtomattersscheduledforelectionanddoesnotincludegeneralpoliticalpositionsorissues.
Where campaign signs are allowed: Politicalcampaignsignsmaybedisplayedonprivatepropertywiththepropertyowner’sconsent.Anysuchsigns,posters,orhandbillsmustberemovedwithin10daysfollowingtheelectionday,perKingCountyCode(KCC)21A.20.120C1.Althoughthecampaignvolunteersmayagreetoremoveanysign,thepropertyownerisultimatelyresponsibleforcompliancewiththeremovalpolicy.
Where signs are not allowed: KCC21A.20.040and21A.20.120C2prohibitanysigns,posters,handbillsorotheradvertisingdevices,includingpoliticalcampaignsigns,onthecounty’sright-of-way,publiceasements,publicproperty,orutilitypoleswithafewexceptions.KingCountyCodeallowssomesignswhentheyhavebeenspecificallypermittedfortrafficmanagementandsafetypurposes.RealestateopenhousedirectionalsignsarepermittedbyKCC21A.20.120D2.Theagentorsellermustbeonsiteandthesignsmustbelocatedoutsideofvehicularandbicyclelanes.Otherdirectionalsignsmaybepermittedbyspecial-usepermitperKCCChapter14.30PermitSystemforCountyProperty.Thecountymayremoveanddisposeofanyothersignsillegallypostedintheroadright-of-way.
The road right-of-way: Thisincludesthepavedroadandastripofland,usuallyoneithersideoftheroad,thatisreservedforshoulders,drainageditches,sidewalks,trafficsigns,electricaltrafficcontrolboxes,utilitylinesandfutureroadexpansion.Exactright-of-wayareasvaryinwidth,andboundariesmaynotbepossibletoidentifywithoutdetailedlegalmapsandaformalsurvey.Propertyownersmaynotknowtheexactright-of-wayboundaryandmayhavemaintained,landscaped,orfencedthisarea.KingCountyoftenreceivescomplaintsaboutcampaignsignsinadvertentlyplacedonthepublicright-of-way.Whenindoubtaboutthelocationoftheright-of-wayboundary,postthecampaignsignonprivatepropertywiththeowner’sconsent,wellpastthepointofuncertainty.
Illegally-posted signs are a safety hazard: Carelesslyplacedsignscanreducedrivervisibility,distractdrivers’attentionfromtheroadway,orforcepedestriansandbicyclistsintodangerousareasclosetotheroadedgeorontodifficultterrainalongsidetheroadshoulder.
TrafficandpedestriansafetyisahighpriorityfortheRoadServicesDivision,andcrewsarequicktoaddresssafetyconcernsrelatedtoillegally-postedcampaignsigns.
Campaign Sign RegulationsGeneralinformationaboutcampaignsignregulations.
Chapter 9 Campaign Sign Regulations
31Chapter 9 Campaign Sign Regulations
Posting regulations: Violationswastetaxpayerdollars.Eachyear,KingCountylogsmanycomplaintsaboutimproperlypostedcampaignsigns.Taxpayermoneyiswastedwhenroadcrewsmustspendtimeremovingsignsbeforemowingorperformingotheractivities,andwhencountyinvestigatorsarerequiredtospendtimefollowinguponsigncomplaints.
Extra work for campaigns: Mostcampaignsmakesuretheirworkersareawareofcampaignsign-postingregulations.Intheirenthusiasmfortheircandidateorissue,however,somecampaignworkersorprivatecitizensmayoverlooktheregulationsorengageinseeminglyharmlesspranksconcerningtheopposition’ssigns.Inadditiontowastingtaxpayermoney,dependingonthesizeornatureofthepostingviolation,campaignsmayhavetodedicatevaluablestaffingresourcestorespondtotheevent.
Whattodoaboutsignsillegallyplaced
Onprivateproperty:
• Propertyownerscancontactthecampaignheadquartersandasktohavethesignremoved.*
• Advisethecampaignabouttheerrorsoitisnotrepeated.
• TheKingCountyRoadServicesDivisionhasnoauthorityoversignspostedonprivateproperty.
Ontheroadright-of-wayinunincorporatedKingCounty:
• CallRoadServicesat206-296-8100ortoll-freeat1-800-527-6237.
Reportsignproblemsnotrelatedtoroadright-of-wayissues:
• Callthecampaignheadquarters.TheKingCountyElectionswebsitelistsallofthecandidatesandtheircampaigncontactinformationifitisnotlistedonthesign.
• TofileaformalcomplaintaboutdamagedorstolenpoliticalcampaignsignsinunincorporatedKingCounty,contacttheKingCountySheriff’sOfficeat206-296-3311.Includesuchfactsaslicensenumbers,namesandwitnessestothetheft.Donotcall911.
Howtoretrievesignsremovedfromtheright-of-way:
• CampaignerscancallRoadServicesat206-296-8100or1-800-527-6237tofindouthowtoretrievesignsthatmaintenancecrewshaveremoved.
• Privatepropertyownersshouldcontactthecampaignheadquarterstoreplaceasignthathasbeenvandalizedorstolenfromtheirproperty.
WashingtonStatesignregulations
RCW47.42andtheHighwayControlActregulatesigningonInterstatehighways,primaryhighways,andhighwaysthatarepartoftheScenicandRecreationalsystem.SignserectedonprivatepropertyadjacenttothesehighwaysmustcomplywiththeHighwayAdvertisingControlActrulescontainedinWAC468.66,andapplicablelocalagencysigncodes.
KingCountyDepartmentofTransportationRoadServicesDivision206-296-6590admin.roads@kingcounty.govwww.kingcounty.gov/roads
WashingtonStateDepartmentofTransportation360-705-7000www.wsdot.wa.gov
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10PublicaccessatKingCountyElections
CitizensmayviewtheprocessingofballotsatKingCountyElectionsduringbusinesshours.Thepublicmustsigninandreceiveabadgeatthecheck-inroomuponarrival.
Visitorscanviewtheprocessfromdesignatedareas.Securityrestrictslimitedaccesstoballotprocessingareastoauthorizedemployeesonly,asthisiswhereballotsaretabulatedandstored.
Formoreinformationaboutobserveropportunitiesvisitourwebsite.
Liveelectioncams
Seeforyourselfhowballotsareprocessedbywatchingourliveelectioncams(whenanelectionisinprocess)whichareavailableonourwebsite.
Ifwearenotcurrentlyprocessingballots,considerwatchingourvirtualtourvideotogetanideaofwhatwedo.
VideoTourofKingCountyElections
TakeavideotourofKingCountyElections.Eachvideosegmentcorrespondstoaviewpointonourself-guidedtour.
Takeaself-guidedtourofElections
TheKingCountyElectionsofficeinRentonfeaturesaviewingloopsothatyoucanobservetheelectionprocessinaction.Noreservationsareneededforthisself-guidedtour.
Theviewingloopisopenbeginningthedayballotsaremailedthroughthecertificationoftheelectionduringbusinesshours:weekdays8:30a.m.to4:30p.m.withextendedhoursonelectiondays.Formoreinformationcall206-296-VOTE(8683).
Observing Elections InformationaboutobservingtheelectionsprocessatKingCountyElections.
Chapter 10 Observing Elections