Run for Office

To become a candidate on the ballot, you must:

  • be a registered voter in the district
  • meet the qualifications for the office at the time of filing
  • follow the steps below

Special 3-Day Candidate Filing August 2-4

Offices that did not receive candidates during the regular candidate filing period will be open for a special 3-day period. Filing will be open from 9 a.m. August 2, to 5 p.m. August  4. Candidates may file:

Open Offices:

Fire District 10, Commissioner Position 3, short & full 6-year term, no filing fee

Fire District 25, Commissioner Position 2, 6-year term, no filing fee

Fire District 26, Commissioner Position 3, 6-year term, no filing fee

East County Park and Recreation District, Commissioner-at-Large Position 4, short & full 4-year term, no filing fee

East County Park and Recreation District, Commissioner-at-Large Position 5, short & full 4-year term, no filing fee

 

Candidates are eligible to be in the local voters’ pamphlet. Candidate statements and photos are due by 5 p.m. August 10. See the 2023 Candidate Guide for information about submission requirements.

 

Steps to Become a Candidate 

1. Choose an Open Office 


You can find open positions in the 2023 Candidate Guide or Scheduled Races.


Click here for a list of candidates who have filed. 


Lot Draw (PDF)


Candidates may file for only one office. 


2. File for Office 


Candidates for offices that file with Snohomish County may file: 

3. Declare Your Candidacy with the PDC (within two weeks of starting campaign)

Once you publicly announce your candidacy or organize a campaign committee, you have two weeks to make a formal declaration of candidacy with the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC)


4. Submit Your Candidate Statement

Let voters know about you and your qualifications by submitting a candidate statement and photo to be published in the local voters' pamphlet. A submission link will be sent via email once your filing has been approved. Precinct Committee Officer (PCO) candidates do not submit candidate statements or photos. 


See the 2023 Candidate Guide and Local Voters' Pamphlet Administrative Rules for information about submission requirements.


Snohomish County Elections presents virtual and in-person candidate workshops and hosts a campaign finance seminar by the Public Disclosure Commission. Click here for printable flyer (PDF)


Watch a recording of the 2023 Candidate Workshop here.

View the 2023 Candidate Workshop slideshow here (PDF).


Filing Fee Petition

A candidate who lacks sufficient funds may submit with his or her declaration of candidacy a filing fee petition. The petition shall contain no less than the number of signatures of registered voters equal to the number of dollars of the filing fee. The signatures shall be of voters registered to vote within the jurisdiction of the office for which the candidate is filing.


Filing Fee Petition (PDF)

Write-in Candidates

Did you miss candidate filing week? You may file as a Write-in Candidate until 8 p.m. on Election Day. A fee is required if filing within 18 days of an election.


Declaration of Write-in Candidacy (PDF)


Elections Timeline 2019, click to view full size pdf. Opens in new window