2021 Elections: Candidate Filing Week Begins In Washington

WASHINGTON — While a handful of campaigns have already begun, May 17 marks the beginning of the official filing period for all candidates seeking office in Washington this year. Voters in King and Pierce counties will have the final say in hundreds of local races, including many city councils, school districts, mayors and judges.

In King County, candidates will vie for more than 330 positions, and nearly 200 seats are up for grabs in Pierce County. With COVID-19 precautions in place for both counties, candidates are encouraged to file candidacies online, but some in-person help will be available.

The official filing window opens at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 17, and closes late in the afternoon on Friday, May 21.

Here are a few things to know:

King County

• More than 330 offices are up for election across King County, including several mayoral races, city council contests and the King County Executive.
• Online filing opens at 9 am on May 17 and is open 24 hours a day until 4 pm on May 21.
• In-person assistance will be available for those who need it at King County Elections Headquarters in Renton. Candidates in need of assistance can also call 206-296-1565.
• Candidates can also file by mail. Mailed filings must be received no later than 4:30 pm on May 21, regardless of postmark.
• The final deadline to withdraw one’s name from the ballot is 4:30 pm on Monday, May 24.
• Candidates can sign up for notifications by email or text to get alerts about deadlines and other candidate-related information.
• Throughout the week, voters can find a rolling list of candidates who have filed for office on the King County Elections website, updated each day by 6 p.m.

Pierce County

• Voters will elect nearly 200 local leaders on the county and city level.
• Online candidate filing opens Monday, May 17, at 9 a.m. To file your declaration of candidacy, go to PierceCountyElections.org.
• The filing week runs through Friday, May 21. Online filing closes at 4 p.m. In-person filing ends at 4:30 p.m. at the Pierce County Election Center, located at 2501 S. 35th St., Suite C in Tacoma.
• A lot drawing to determine the candidate order on the ballot will take place after the close of filing on Friday, May 21 (approximately 4:40 p.m.). All candidates and the public are invited to observe.
• Candidates are encouraged to file online.
• Candidates who come to the office will file using the online system at a kiosk.

Voters and potential candidates can learn more about the 2021 election season, and upcoming key dates, by visiting the King County Elections website, or the Pierce County Auditor's Office portal.