Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government, Elections & Information Technology Committee |
ESSB 5645
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Concerning withdrawal of candidacy.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on State Government (originally sponsored by Senator Honeyford).
Brief Summary of Engrossed Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/17/17
Staff: Sean Flynn (786-7124).
Background:
Candidates for elected office must file a declaration of candidacy in order to appear on the election ballot. The candidate must declare the position he or she is seeking, that he or she is a registered voter in the proper jurisdiction for elected position, and declare that he or she will support federal and state laws. A candidate may only file for one office.
Candidates for statewide and congressional offices file declarations with the Office of the Secretary of State (OSOS). Candidates for state legislative office, the court of appeals, or superior court, must file declarations and filing fees with the OSOS when the district of the office covers two or more counties. All other candidacy declarations are filed with the county auditor.
The filing fee is the equivalent of 1 percent of the annual salary of the office that the candidate seeking, or a flat $10 for an office with an annual salary under $1,000. A candidate may file a petition if he or she lacks sufficient income to pay the required filing fee.
The filing period for candidate declarations is the five-day period beginning on the Monday two weeks before Memorial Day, and ending at the close of business on the following Friday. A candidate may withdraw a declaration of candidacy and request his or her name not appear on the ballot up to the close of business on the Monday following the last day of the filing period. The withdrawal must be submitted to the same office where the declaration was filed. The filing fee is not refunded to a candidate who withdraws.
Summary of Bill:
If a candidate seeking reelection timely withdraws his or her declaration of candidacy, the filing period for that office is extended for 72 hours from the close of business of the last day for candidates to withdraw declarations of candidacy.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.