VANCOUVER – Interested in running for public office? The filing period for citizens to become candidates for elective office is rapidly approaching. The offices open for candidate filings this year include Congressional District 3 U.S. Representative, State Legislative District Representatives, County offices, State Supreme Court Justices, District Court Judges, Public Utility District Commissioner District 3, and 372 Democratic and 372 Republican precinct committee officers.
Candidates are strongly encouraged to file their declaration online. Visit VoteWA.gov beginning at 8 a.m., Monday, May 4 through 5 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2026. To file online, a citizen must have a valid email address and be registered to vote in the jurisdiction for which they are filing. Candidates will also be able to pay any associated filing fee online using a valid Visa or
Mastercard credit card.
The in-person filing period will begin at 8 a.m., Monday, May 4, and will end at 5 p.m., Friday, May 8, 2026. Candidates for Federal or State positions may file in person at the Secretary of State’s office in the Legislative Building, 416 Sid Snyder Ave. SW, Olympia. Candidates for a County race may file in person at the Clark County Elections Department, 1408 Franklin St. Credit cards are not accepted for payment when filing in person. In-person payment must either be by check or cash. When paying with cash, exact change is preferred.
For additional information about filing for elective office and the 2026 Primary and General Elections, a copy of the "Candidate Guide and Local Voters’ Pamphlet Specifications" can be found on the Clark County Elections Department website at clark.wa.gov/elections/candidates.
This year’s Primary and Special Election will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 4. The General Election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
On Friday, May 8, shortly after 5 p.m., a public lot drawing will be conducted to determine the ballot order for each race. This public drawing will be held at 1408 Franklin St. and may be witnessed by the news media, the public, and by any candidate. Results of the lot draw will be posted on our website.
If you have further questions, you can contact the Clark County Elections Department by calling (564) 397-2345, by emailing [email protected] or by visiting our office at 1408 Franklin St.
Information provided by the Clark County Auditor’s Office.
