Interested in running for office in Washington’s cities or towns?

Read AWC’s guide So you want to be an elected official… Practical information for people running for office in Washington’s cities and towns.

Cities can also access a printable version of the guide to make available at city hall or post it to their website. It provides general information about how to work as part of a team, what cities do, roles and responsibilities, and where to find more information. We encourage you to give this guide to potential candidates for city elected office.

Share this flyer with prospective candidates.

Tips for the 2023 election cycle

Once you decide to run for office, go to the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) and review your filing requirements.

Use the Secretary of State’s (SOS) website to see if your county has candidate workshops where you can learn how to run for office. A list of county auditors can also be found there.

For further information, the candidate filing FAQ on the SOS website is a terrific place for research.

Where to file
Visit Washington’s SOS website to find contact information for all county elections departments in the state. While many counties accept filings online or in-person, some counties do not offer an online filing option. Contact your county elections department to determine what options are available to you.

What you’ll need

• Filing fee (if applicable)
• Photograph, statement, and biography to include in voters’ pamphlet

Important dates in 2023

May 1 – First day mail-in candidate filings accepted (Filings received before May 1 are not accepted)

May 15 – First day of official Candidate Filing Week (Online and in-person candidate filing begins)

May 19 – Last day to file for office

May 22 – Last day to withdraw candidacy

May 26 – Last day to submit necessary materials for voters’ pamphlet

August 1 – Primary election

November 7 – General election

Save the date! AWC’s Elected Officials Essentials

December 9, 2023

This Saturday training is available for newly elected mayors, councilmembers, and those currently in office. The content covers important information about roles and responsibilities, and basic legal obligations and liabilities. Watch our website for more information as the date approaches.