OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - This is filing week in Washington, when candidates can officially enter the election race. They have until the close of business Friday to decide whether to campaign.
This year’s ballot includes all 10 U.S. House seats, including the open seat in the 4th District in Eastern Washington where Doc Hastings is retiring, the secretary of state’s office said.
Also on the ballot are all 98 members of the state House, about half of the 49-member Senate and four state Supreme Court seats, including the seat of retiring Justice Jim Johnson.
There are 162 state offices open and many more positions handled by county auditors.
The ballot order will be determined at a drawing in the secretary of state’s office at the end of filing week. There are no U.S. Senate or statewide executive offices up for election this year. There are two initiatives on the ballot, both dealing with background checks on gun sales.
The primary will be Aug. 5 and the general election on Nov. 4.
Washington has 3.9 million registered voters.
Candidates can file at the secretary of state’s office in Olympia or at county auditor offices.
Filing fees are 1 percent of a year’s salary. Congressional filings are $1,740, Supreme Court $1,675, Court of Appeals $1,595, Superior Court $1,518, and Legislature $421.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.