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

Steps to Become a Candidate

1. Choose an Open Office

You can find open positions in the 2022 Candidate Guide or Scheduled Races.

Candidates may file for only one office. Exception: Precinct Committee Officer (PCO) candidates may file for one additional office.

2. File for Office (May 16-20, 2022)

Filing is open from 9 a.m. May 16 to 4 p.m. (5 p.m. in person) May 20.

Candidates for offices that file with Snohomish County may file:

Online – Click this link - Preferred method
You must complete your filing by 4 p.m. Friday, May 20
Email – Send a Declaration of Candidacy or PCO Declaration of Candidacy to candidates@snoco.org during the open period
Fax – Send a Declaration of Candidacy to 425-355-3444 during the open period
In Person – File at Snohomish County Elections during business hours
By Mail - See Candidate Guide

Statewide and multi-county judicial and legislative offices file with the Secretary of State's office.

Candidate filings are processed during business hours. Once your candidacy has been approved, you will be on the ballot unless a Withdrawal of Candidacy form is received by 5 p.m. Monday, May 23.

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 2022 Candidate Guide for information about submission requirements.