Running for Office

Candidates can find detailed instructions, contacts and other information in the 2023 Candidate and Measure Guidelines book.

Printed copies of the 2023 book are available at the Kitsap County Auditor's Office - Elections Division, 619 Division Street, Port Orchard, WA 98366. 

Most candidates in 2024 will file with the Washington Secretary of State's Office. Candidates filing there and in our office will be subject to the same deadlines.

Important dates for candidates

​Filings accepted by mail
​April 29, 2024
Filing week​​May 6-10, 2024
​Withdrawal Deadline
​May 13, 2024
Pamphlet statement due​​May 21, 2024
​Video Statement due
​TBD
​Primary
​August 6, 2024
General Election​​November 5, 2024


Candidate Voters' Pamphlet Video Training

Take a few minutes to get tips on candidate filing and writing your statement for the Voters' Pamphlet. The following videos were prepared for candidates running in 2023.
​1-minute video
 

5-minute video   
 

Learn about the Public Disclosure Requirements. Most candidates are required to file financial documents with the Public Disclosure Commission.
  

Obtaining Voter Data and Election Results.

Voter data useful to candidates and campaigns.      


Lot Draw 

RCW 29A.36.131 specifies that the order of candidates on the Primary ballot is determined by lot draw. At 4:30 p.m. on the Friday of filing week, the Kitsap County Auditor's Office - Elections Division draws lettered tiles to create the ballot order for races. The following lot draw was for candidates in 2023.

 



Kitsap Campaign Guidelines

 

2023 Candidate Filing Dates

October 19 - Last day candidates can file for free to be a write-in candidate in the General Election. 

October 20-November 7 - Candidates can file as a write-in candidate for General Election races, but must pay a filing fee.

2024 Candidate Filing Dates


April 29 - First day candidates may file by mail.

May 6-10 - Candidate Filing week.

May 13 - Last day candidates may
withdraw from a race.

May 21 - Candidate statements due.

July 18 - Last day candidates can file for free to be a write-in candidate in the Primary. 

July 19-August 6 - Candidates can file as a write-in candidate for Primary races, but must pay a filing fee.

TBD - Special filing period for races with no candidates after May 22.

October 17 - Last day candidates can file for free to be a write-in candidate in the General Election. 

October 18-November 5 - Candidates can file as a write-in candidate for General Election races, but must pay a filing fee.