To become a candidate on the ballot, you must:
You can find open positions in the 2023 Candidate Guide or Scheduled Races.
Click here Version OptionsRun for OfficeHeadline for a list of candidates who have filed.
Candidates may file for only one office.
Filing is open from 9 a.m. May 15 to 4 p.m. (5 p.m. in person) May 19.
Candidates for offices that file with Snohomish County may file:
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 22.
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).
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. Statements and photos are due by 5 p.m. May 26, 2023.
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) Candidate Workshops and Campaign Finance Seminar Candidate Workshops and Campaign Finance Seminar Candidate Workshops and Campaign Finance Seminar Candidate Workshops and Campaign Finance Seminar Candidate Workshops and Campaign Finance Seminar Candidate Workshops and Campaign Finance Seminar Candidate Workshops and Campaign Finance Seminar
Watch a recording of the 2023 Candidate Workshop here.
View the 2023 Candidate Workshop slideshow here (PDF).
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.
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.