Washington signature requirements
 (By state) |
| |
Contents |
Washington last held a gubernatorial election in 2008. 3,002,862 ballots were cast in that race.[1] The next time the state will hold a gubernatorial election is in 2012. Signature requirements for the 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 ballots will therefore be the same, and can be expected to change in 2013 based on the number of those who cast votes in the 2012 election.
In Washington, candidates filing for both federal and state offices are required to submit a filing fee that is fixed as 1% of the position's salary.
Federal offices
U.S. Senate and U.S. House
In 2012, candidates filing for U.S. Senate and U.S. House must submit a $1,740 filing fee.[2]
Filing deadlines
2012
In 2012, the last day to circulate and file nomination petitions for candidates was 5:00 p.m. on May 18.[3]
State offices
State executive
In 2012, candidates filing for Governor must submit a $1,668.91 filing fee.[2]
State legislative
In 2012, candidates filing for State Senate and State House must submit a $421.06 filing fee.[2]
Filing deadlines
2012
In 2012, the last day to circulate and file nomination petitions for candidates was 5:00 p.m. on May 18.[3]
Ballot measures
Washington ballot measures come in several different varieties:
- legislatively-referred state statute - Appears on a state's ballot as a ballot measure because the state legislature in that state voted to put it before the voters.
- initiated state statute - Earns a spot on the ballot when sponsors collect signatures according to the laws governing the initiative process in Washington.
- legislatively-referred constitutional amendment - A constitutional amendment that appears on a state's ballot as a ballot measure because the state legislature in that state voted to put it before the voters.
- Veto referenda - When citizens of Washington disagree with a statute or legislative bill enacted by the state legislature, they can collect signatures to force the issue to a vote. If enough signatures are collected, the bill is placed on the statewide ballot.
Signature requirements
Current requirements
Washington's signature requirement is based on the total number of votes cast for the office of governor at the last regular gubernatorial election. Initiatives to the People require signatures equal to 8% of the votes cast for the office of governor in the last election. Initiatives to the Legislature also require signatures equal to 8% of the votes cast for the office of governor in the last election. Veto referendum petitions require signatures equal to 4% of the votes cast for the office of governor.
| Year | Initiative to the People | Initiative to the Legislature | Veto referendum |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 246,372 | 246,372 | 123,186 |
| 2013 | 246,372 | 246,372 | 123,186 |
| 2012 | 240,229 | 240,229 | 120,114 |
| 2010 | 240,229 | 240,229 | 120,114 |
| 2009 | 240,229 | 240,229 | 120,114 |
| 2008 | 224,880 | 224,880 | 112,440 |
Basis for calculation
- 3,002,862 ballots were cast in the last gubernatorial election (2008).[4]
Recall
- To force a recall election, a number of signatures equalling 35% of the number of votes cast in the most recent election for the office held by the official facing recall must be collected.
- However, for statewide officers, only 25% is needed to force a recall election.
Signature deadlines
2011
The filing period for initiatives began on January 10, 2011. The deadline to file an initiative in order to qualify on the Washington State ballot is July 6, 2011[5].
2010
The filing deadline for the November 2010 ballot for an Initiative to the Legislature was December 31, 2009.
2009
The filing deadline for the November 2009 ballot for an Initiative to the People was July 2, 2009.
See also
- States where signature requirements are based on votes cast for governor
- List of Washington ballot measures
- Ballot access laws challenged in Washington
- Signature privacy challenged in Washington
- Laws governing the initiative process in Washington
External links
- Filing Initiatives and Referenda in Washington State 2005 through 2008 from the Secretary of State
- Washington signature requirements collated by the Citizens in Charge Foundation
References
- ↑ Washington State 2008 General Election Results
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Washington Secretary of State, "Offices Open for Election in 2012," Accessed May 1, 2012
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Washington Secretary of State, "Dates and Deadlines," Accessed May 1, 2012
- ↑ Washington State 2008 General Election Results
- ↑ Washington Secretary of State "2011 Election Calendar"
