The Governor is the head of the executive branch of state government. Roles include: signing or vetoing bills passed by the Legislature; serving as commander-in-chief of the state's military forces; convening special sessions of the Legislature for specific purposes.
Eligibility requirements
Candidate must be a U.S. citizen and a qualified voter of the state.
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FAQ
How often is Governor elected?
The position of Governor is typically elected every 4 years.
What does it mean for an election to be partisan?
Partisan elections require candidates to declare a party affiliation, like Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, or Independent.
What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in WA?
Filing fee is 1% of the office's annual salary; For candidates unable to pay filing fee, signature requirement is equal to 1% of the office's annual salary.
Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?
Submit paperwork to the Secretary of State's office.
Where is the filing office?
P.O. Box 40229 Olympia, WA 98504-0229.
How can I get in touch with the filing office?
You can contact the filing office by calling 360-902-4180.
How do I get started running for Governor?
You can start running for Governor by checking to ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements. Next, you can prepare to file for office and start planning your campaign strategy. Get in touch with our team of campaign experts for help with any step of the campaign process!
Is there a primary or runoff election for this office?
The next election for Governor includes a primary, but not a runoff election.
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