sensibilist
05-14-2007, 09:28 AM
Thought you may be interested in this.
Ed
http://www.secstate.wa.gov/office/search.aspx?q=independent+party+
Applicable RCW:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=29A.20&full=true
Filing for office:
http://www.secstate.wa.gov/elections/auditorsCTP/ppt/Filing_For_Office_files/frame.htm#slide0038.htm
Minor political parties nominate candidates in accordance with the provisions of RCW Chapter 29A.20. A minor party is recognized as an entity by the Secretary of State by the act of nominating a candidate for office. There is no other process necessary for establishing the existence of a minor party.
Minor party or independent candidates must comply with the process in Washington for nominating minor party and independent candidates prior to filing a Declaration of Candidacy. Minor party and independent candidates do not appear on the primary ballot, and only appear on the General Election ballot if both the nomination and filing requirements have been fulfilled.
Nomination by Convention (RCW 29A.20.121)Any independent or minor party candidate desiring to have his or her name placed on the ballot as a candidate for partisan office must begin the qualification process by holding a nominating convention. The convention must be held no earlier than the first Saturday in May and no later than the second Saturday in May.Nominations of candidates for President and Vice President may only be filed by following the procedures listed above or by holding a convention no earlier than the first Saturday in June and no later than the fourth Saturday in July.
If a special filing period for a partisan office is opened under RCW 29A.24.21 1, minor party and independent candidates may file for office during that special filing period. The names of those candidates may only appear on the ballot if they are nominated by a convention held no later than five days after the close of the special filing period and a certificate of nomination is filed no later than three days after the convention.
Requirements for a Valid Nominating Convention (RCW 29A.20.131 and 29A.20.141)
To be valid, a nominating convention must:
1. Have been called by a notice in a newspaper of general circulation published in the county in which the convention is to be held at least ten days before the date of the convention. The notice must state the date, hour and place the convention is to be held and must also include the mailing address of the person or organization sponsoring the convention (see Appendix B - Notice of Convention and Affidavit of Publication); and
2. Be attended by at least 100 registered voters of the jurisdiction for which nominations are to be made.
In order to nominate candidates for President and Vice President, U.S. Senate, U.S. Representative or a statewide office, a nominating convention must submit the signatures of at least 1,000 registered voters of the state of Washington. In order to nominate candidates for any other office, a nominating convention must submit the signatures of at least 100 registered voters of the jurisdiction for which the nominations are made.Multiple Nominating Conventions (RCW 29A.20.1 21)
A convention may not nominate more than one candidate for any one partisan office or position.
For the purpose of nominating candidates for President and Vice President, U.S. Senate, U.S. Representative or a statewide office, a minor party or independent candidate may hold multiple conventions and may add together the signatures from each convention to obtain the 1,000 signatures required. For all other offices, signatures of at least 100 registered voters must be obtained at a single convention.
None of the conventions may be attended by fewer than 100 registered voters.
RCW 29A.20
29A.20.010
Preservation of declarations of candidacy.
The secretary of state and each county auditor shall preserve all declarations of candidacy filed in their respective offices for six months. All declarations of candidacy must be open to public inspection.
[2003 c 111 § 501; 1965 c 9 § 29.27.090. Prior: 1921 c 178 § 1, part; 1915 c 11 § 1, part; 1907 c 130 § 1, part; 1889 p 402 § 7, part; Code 1881 § 3067, part; 1865 p 30 § 1, part; RRS § 5171, part. Formerly RCW 29.27.090.]
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29A.20.021
Qualifications for filing, appearance on ballot.
(1) A person filing a declaration of candidacy for an office shall, at the time of filing, be a registered voter and possess the qualifications specified by law for persons who may be elected to the office.
(2) Excluding the office of precinct committee officer or a temporary elected position such as a charter review board member or freeholder, no person may file for more than one office.
(3) The name of a candidate for an office shall not appear on a ballot for that office unless, except as provided in RCW 3.46.067 and 3.50.057, the candidate is, at the time the candidate's declaration of candidacy is filed, properly registered to vote in the geographic area represented by the office. For the purposes of this section, each geographic area in which registered voters may cast ballots for an office is represented by that office. If a person elected to an office must be nominated from a district or similar division of the geographic area represented by the office, the name of a candidate for the office shall not appear on a primary ballot for that office unless the candidate is, at the time the candidate's declaration of candidacy is filed, properly registered to vote in that district or division. The officer with whom declarations of candidacy must be filed under this title shall review each such declaration filed regarding compliance with this subsection.
(4) The requirements of voter registration and residence within the geographic area of a district do not apply to candidates for congressional office. Qualifications for the United States congress are specified in the United States Constitution.
[2004 c 271 § 153.]
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29A.20.030
Local officers, beginning of terms — Organization of district boards of directors.
The term of every city, town, and district officer elected to office on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November of the odd-numbered years begins in accordance with RCW 29A.20.040. However, a person elected to less than a full term shall assume office as soon as the election returns have been certified and he or she is qualified in accordance with RCW 29A.04.133.
Each board of directors of every district shall be organized at the first meeting held after one or more newly elected directors take office.
[2003 c 111 § 503; 1979 ex.s. c 126 § 14; 1965 c 123 § 6; 1965 c 9 § 29.13.050. Prior: 1963 c 200 § 8; 1959 c 86 § 1; prior: 1951 c 257 § 6. (i) 1949 c 161 § 9; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 5146-1. (ii) 1949 c 163 § 1; 1921 c 61 § 4; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 5146. Formerly RCW 29.13.050.]
Notes: Purpose -- 1979 ex.s. c 126: See RCW 29A.20.040(1).
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29A.20.040
Local elected officials, commencement of term of office — Purpose.
(1) The legislature finds that certain laws are in conflict governing the assumption of office of various local officials. The purpose of this section is to provide a common date for the assumption of office for all the elected officials of counties, cities, towns, and special purpose districts other than school districts where the ownership of property is not a prerequisite of voting. A person elected to the office of school director begins his or her term of office at the first official meeting of the board of directors after certification of the election results. It is also the purpose of this section to remove these conflicts and delete old statutory language concerning such elections which is no longer necessary.
(2) For elective offices of counties, cities, towns, and special purpose districts other than school districts where the ownership of property is not a prerequisite of voting, the term of incumbents ends and the term of successors begins after the successor is elected and qualified, and the term commences immediately after December 31st following the election, except as follows:
(a) Where the term of office varies from this standard according to statute; and
(b) If the election results have not been certified prior to January 1st after the election, in which event the time of commencement for the new term occurs when the successor becomes qualified in accordance with RCW 29A.04.133.
(3) For elective offices governed by this section, the oath of office must be taken as the last step of qualification as defined in RCW 29A.04.133 but may be taken either:
(a) Up to ten days prior to the scheduled date of assuming office; or
(b) At the last regular meeting of the governing body of the applicable county, city, town, or special district held before the winner is to assume office.
[2003 c 111 § 504; 1999 c 298 § 3; 1980 c 35 § 7; 1979 ex.s. c 126 § 1. Formerly RCW 29.04.170.]
Notes: Severability -- 1980 c 35: See note following RCW 28A.343.300.
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29A.20.111
Definitions — "Convention" and "election jurisdiction."
A "convention" for the purposes of this chapter, is an organized assemblage of registered voters representing an independent candidate or candidates or a new or minor political party, organization, or principle. As used in this chapter, the term "election jurisdiction" shall mean the state or any political subdivision or jurisdiction of the state from which partisan officials are elected. This term shall include county commissioner districts or council districts for members of a county legislative authority, counties for county officials who are nominated and elected on a county-wide basis, legislative districts for members of the legislature, congressional districts for members of Congress, and the state for president and vice president, members of the United States senate, and state officials who are elected on a statewide basis.
[2004 c 271 § 188.]
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29A.20.121
Nomination by convention or write-in — Dates — Special filing period. (Effective until January 1, 2007.)
(1) Any nomination of a candidate for partisan public office by other than a major political party may be made only: (a) In a convention held not earlier than the last Saturday in June and not later than the first Saturday in July or during any of the seven days immediately preceding the first day for filing declarations of candidacy as fixed in accordance with RCW 29A.28.041; (b) as provided by RCW 29A.60.021; or (c) as otherwise provided in this section. Minor political party and independent candidates may appear only on the general election ballot.
(2) Nominations of candidates for president and vice president of the United States other than by a major political party may be made either at a convention conducted under subsection (1) of this section, or at a similar convention taking place not earlier than the first Sunday in July and not later than seventy days before the general election. Conventions held during this time period may not nominate candidates for any public office other than president and vice president of the United States, except as provided in subsection (3) of this section.
(3) If a special filing period for a partisan office is opened under RCW 29A.24.211, candidates of minor political parties and independent candidates may file for office during that special filing period. The names of those candidates may not appear on the general election ballot unless they are nominated by convention held no later than five days after the close of the special filing period and a certificate of nomination is filed with the filing officer no later than three days after the convention. The requirements of RCW 29A.20.131 do not apply to such a convention.
(4) A minor political party may hold more than one convention but in no case shall any such party nominate more than one candidate for any one partisan public office or position. For the purpose of nominating candidates for the offices of president and vice president, United States senator, United States representative, or a statewide office, a minor party or independent candidate holding multiple conventions may add together the number of signatures of different individuals from each convention obtained in support of the candidate or candidates in order to obtain the number required by RCW 29A.20.141. For all other offices for which nominations are made, signatures of the requisite number of registered voters must be obtained at a single convention.
[2004 c 271 § 110.]
RCW 29A.20
Nomination by convention or write-in — Dates — Special filing period. (Effective January 1, 2007.)
(1) Any nomination of a candidate for partisan public office by other than a major political party may be made only: (a) In a convention held not earlier than the first Saturday in May and not later than the second Saturday in May or during any of the seven days immediately preceding the first day for filing declarations of candidacy as fixed in accordance with RCW 29A.28.041; (b) as provided by RCW 29A.60.021; or (c) as otherwise provided in this section. Minor political party and independent candidates may appear only on the general election ballot.
(2) Nominations of candidates for president and vice president of the United States other than by a major political party may be made either at a convention conducted under subsection (1) of this section, or at a similar convention taking place not earlier than the first Saturday in June and not later than the fourth Saturday in July. Conventions held during this time period may not nominate candidates for any public office other than president and vice president of the United States, except as provided in subsection (3) of this section.
(3) If a special filing period for a partisan office is opened under RCW 29A.24.211, candidates of minor political parties and independent candidates may file for office during that special filing period. The names of those candidates may not appear on the general election ballot unless they are nominated by convention held no later than five days after the close of the special filing period and a certificate of nomination is filed with the filing officer no later than three days after the convention. The requirements of RCW 29A.20.131 do not apply to such a convention.
(4) A minor political party may hold more than one convention but in no case shall any such party nominate more than one candidate for any one partisan public office or position. For the purpose of nominating candidates for the offices of president and vice president, United States senator, United States representative, or a statewide office, a minor party or independent candidate holding multiple conventions may add together the number of signatures of different individuals from each convention obtained in support of the candidate or candidates in order to obtain the number required by RCW 29A.20.141. For all other offices for which nominations are made, signatures of the requisite number of registered voters must be obtained at a single convention.
[2006 c 344 § 4; 2004 c 271 § 110.]
Notes: Effective date -- 2006 c 344 §§ 1-16 and 18-40: See note following RCW 29A.04.311.
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29A.20.131
Convention — Notice.
Each minor party or independent candidate must publish a notice in a newspaper of general circulation within the county in which the party or the candidate intends to hold a convention. The notice must appear at least ten days before the convention is to be held, and shall state the date, time, and place of the convention. Additionally, it shall include the mailing address of the person or organization sponsoring the convention.
[2004 c 271 § 189.]
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29A.20.141
Convention — Requirements for validity.
(1) To be valid, a convention must be attended by at least one hundred registered voters.
(2) In order to nominate candidates for the offices of president and vice president of the United States, United States senator, United States representative, or any statewide office, a nominating convention shall obtain and submit to the filing officer the signatures of at least one thousand registered voters of the state of Washington. In order to nominate candidates for any other office, a nominating convention shall obtain and submit to the filing officer the signatures of one hundred persons who are registered to vote in the jurisdiction of the office for which the nominations are made.
[2004 c 271 § 111.]
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29A.20.151
Nominating petition — Requirements.
A nominating petition submitted under this chapter shall clearly identify the name of the minor party or independent candidate convention as it appears on the certificate of nomination as required by RCW 29A.20.161(3). The petition shall also contain a statement that the person signing the petition is a registered voter of the state of Washington and shall have a space for the voter to sign his or her name and to print his or her name and address. No person may sign more than one nominating petition under this chapter for an office for an election.
[2004 c 271 § 112.]
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29A.20.161
Certificate of nomination — Requisites.
A certificate evidencing nominations made at a convention must:
(1) Be in writing;
(2) Contain the name of each person nominated, his or her residence, and the office for which he or she is named, and if the nomination is for the offices of president and vice president of the United States, a sworn statement from both nominees giving their consent to the nomination;
(3) Identify the minor political party or the independent candidate on whose behalf the convention was held;
(4) Be verified by the oath of the presiding officer and secretary;
(5) Be accompanied by a nominating petition or petitions bearing the signatures and addresses of registered voters equal in number to that required by RCW 29A.20.141;
(6) Contain proof of publication of the notice of calling the convention; and
(7) Be submitted to the appropriate filing officer not later than one week following the adjournment of the convention at which the nominations were made. If the nominations are made only for offices whose jurisdiction is entirely within one county, the certificate and nominating petitions must be filed with the county auditor. If a minor party or independent candidate convention nominates any candidates for offices whose jurisdiction encompasses more than one county, all nominating petitions and the convention certificates must be filed with the secretary of state.
[2004 c 271 § 154.]
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29A.20.171
Multiple certificates of nomination.
(1) If two or more valid certificates of nomination are filed purporting to nominate different candidates for the same position using the same party name, the filing officer must give effect to both certificates. If conflicting claims to the party name are not resolved either by mutual agreement or by a judicial determination of the right to the name, the candidates must be treated as independent candidates. Disputes over the right to the name must not be permitted to delay the printing of either ballots or a voters' pamphlet. Other candidates nominated by the same conventions may continue to use the partisan affiliation unless a court of competent jurisdiction directs otherwise.
(2) A person affected may petition the superior court of the county in which the filing officer is located for a judicial determination of the right to the name of a minor political party, either before or after documents are filed with the filing officer. The court shall resolve the conflict between competing claims to the use of the same party name according to the following principles: (a) The prior established public use of the name during previous elections by a party composed of or led by the same individuals or individuals in documented succession; (b) prior established public use of the name earlier in the same election cycle; (c) the nomination of a more complete slate of candidates for a number of offices or in a number of different regions of the state; (d) documented affiliation with a national or statewide party organization with an established use of the name; (e) the first date of filing of a certificate of nomination; and (f) such other indicia of an established right to use of the name as the court may deem relevant. If more than one filing officer is involved, and one of them is the secretary of state, the petition must be filed in the superior court for Thurston county. Upon resolving the conflict between competing claims, the court may also address any ballot designation for the candidate who does not prevail.
[2004 c 271 § 155.]
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29A.20.181
Presidential electors — Selection at convention.
A minor political party or independent candidate convention nominating candidates for the offices of president and vice president of the United States shall, not later than ten days after the adjournment of the convention, submit a list of presidential electors to the office of the secretary of state. The list shall contain the names and the mailing addresses of the persons selected and shall be verified by the presiding officer of the convention.
[2004 c 271 § 156.]
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29A.20.191
Certificate of nomination — Checking signatures — Appeal of determination.
Upon the receipt of the certificate of nomination, the officer with whom it is filed shall check the certificate and canvass the signatures on the accompanying nominating petitions to determine if the requirements of RCW 29A.20.141 have been met. Once the determination has been made, the filing officer shall notify the presiding officer of the convention and any other persons requesting the notification, of his or her decision regarding the sufficiency of the certificate or the nominating petitions. Any appeal regarding the filing officer's determination must be filed with the superior court of the county in which the certificate or petitions were filed not later than five days from the date the determination is made, and shall be heard and finally disposed of by the court within five days of the filing. Nominating petitions shall not be available for public inspection or copying.
[2004 c 271 § 157.]
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29A.20.201
Declarations of candidacy required, exceptions — Payment of fees.
Not later than the Friday immediately preceding the first day for candidates to file, the secretary of state shall notify the county auditors of the names and designations of all minor party and independent candidates who have filed valid convention certificates and nominating petitions with that office. Except for the offices of president and vice president, persons nominated under this chapter shall file declarations of candidacy as provided by RCW 29A.24.031 and 29A.24.070. The name of a candidate nominated at a convention shall not be printed upon the general election ballot unless he or she pays the fee required by law to be paid by candidates for the same office to be nominated at a primary.
[2004 c 271 § 113.]
Ed
http://www.secstate.wa.gov/office/search.aspx?q=independent+party+
Applicable RCW:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=29A.20&full=true
Filing for office:
http://www.secstate.wa.gov/elections/auditorsCTP/ppt/Filing_For_Office_files/frame.htm#slide0038.htm
Minor political parties nominate candidates in accordance with the provisions of RCW Chapter 29A.20. A minor party is recognized as an entity by the Secretary of State by the act of nominating a candidate for office. There is no other process necessary for establishing the existence of a minor party.
Minor party or independent candidates must comply with the process in Washington for nominating minor party and independent candidates prior to filing a Declaration of Candidacy. Minor party and independent candidates do not appear on the primary ballot, and only appear on the General Election ballot if both the nomination and filing requirements have been fulfilled.
Nomination by Convention (RCW 29A.20.121)Any independent or minor party candidate desiring to have his or her name placed on the ballot as a candidate for partisan office must begin the qualification process by holding a nominating convention. The convention must be held no earlier than the first Saturday in May and no later than the second Saturday in May.Nominations of candidates for President and Vice President may only be filed by following the procedures listed above or by holding a convention no earlier than the first Saturday in June and no later than the fourth Saturday in July.
If a special filing period for a partisan office is opened under RCW 29A.24.21 1, minor party and independent candidates may file for office during that special filing period. The names of those candidates may only appear on the ballot if they are nominated by a convention held no later than five days after the close of the special filing period and a certificate of nomination is filed no later than three days after the convention.
Requirements for a Valid Nominating Convention (RCW 29A.20.131 and 29A.20.141)
To be valid, a nominating convention must:
1. Have been called by a notice in a newspaper of general circulation published in the county in which the convention is to be held at least ten days before the date of the convention. The notice must state the date, hour and place the convention is to be held and must also include the mailing address of the person or organization sponsoring the convention (see Appendix B - Notice of Convention and Affidavit of Publication); and
2. Be attended by at least 100 registered voters of the jurisdiction for which nominations are to be made.
In order to nominate candidates for President and Vice President, U.S. Senate, U.S. Representative or a statewide office, a nominating convention must submit the signatures of at least 1,000 registered voters of the state of Washington. In order to nominate candidates for any other office, a nominating convention must submit the signatures of at least 100 registered voters of the jurisdiction for which the nominations are made.Multiple Nominating Conventions (RCW 29A.20.1 21)
A convention may not nominate more than one candidate for any one partisan office or position.
For the purpose of nominating candidates for President and Vice President, U.S. Senate, U.S. Representative or a statewide office, a minor party or independent candidate may hold multiple conventions and may add together the signatures from each convention to obtain the 1,000 signatures required. For all other offices, signatures of at least 100 registered voters must be obtained at a single convention.
None of the conventions may be attended by fewer than 100 registered voters.
RCW 29A.20
29A.20.010
Preservation of declarations of candidacy.
The secretary of state and each county auditor shall preserve all declarations of candidacy filed in their respective offices for six months. All declarations of candidacy must be open to public inspection.
[2003 c 111 § 501; 1965 c 9 § 29.27.090. Prior: 1921 c 178 § 1, part; 1915 c 11 § 1, part; 1907 c 130 § 1, part; 1889 p 402 § 7, part; Code 1881 § 3067, part; 1865 p 30 § 1, part; RRS § 5171, part. Formerly RCW 29.27.090.]
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29A.20.021
Qualifications for filing, appearance on ballot.
(1) A person filing a declaration of candidacy for an office shall, at the time of filing, be a registered voter and possess the qualifications specified by law for persons who may be elected to the office.
(2) Excluding the office of precinct committee officer or a temporary elected position such as a charter review board member or freeholder, no person may file for more than one office.
(3) The name of a candidate for an office shall not appear on a ballot for that office unless, except as provided in RCW 3.46.067 and 3.50.057, the candidate is, at the time the candidate's declaration of candidacy is filed, properly registered to vote in the geographic area represented by the office. For the purposes of this section, each geographic area in which registered voters may cast ballots for an office is represented by that office. If a person elected to an office must be nominated from a district or similar division of the geographic area represented by the office, the name of a candidate for the office shall not appear on a primary ballot for that office unless the candidate is, at the time the candidate's declaration of candidacy is filed, properly registered to vote in that district or division. The officer with whom declarations of candidacy must be filed under this title shall review each such declaration filed regarding compliance with this subsection.
(4) The requirements of voter registration and residence within the geographic area of a district do not apply to candidates for congressional office. Qualifications for the United States congress are specified in the United States Constitution.
[2004 c 271 § 153.]
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29A.20.030
Local officers, beginning of terms — Organization of district boards of directors.
The term of every city, town, and district officer elected to office on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November of the odd-numbered years begins in accordance with RCW 29A.20.040. However, a person elected to less than a full term shall assume office as soon as the election returns have been certified and he or she is qualified in accordance with RCW 29A.04.133.
Each board of directors of every district shall be organized at the first meeting held after one or more newly elected directors take office.
[2003 c 111 § 503; 1979 ex.s. c 126 § 14; 1965 c 123 § 6; 1965 c 9 § 29.13.050. Prior: 1963 c 200 § 8; 1959 c 86 § 1; prior: 1951 c 257 § 6. (i) 1949 c 161 § 9; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 5146-1. (ii) 1949 c 163 § 1; 1921 c 61 § 4; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 5146. Formerly RCW 29.13.050.]
Notes: Purpose -- 1979 ex.s. c 126: See RCW 29A.20.040(1).
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29A.20.040
Local elected officials, commencement of term of office — Purpose.
(1) The legislature finds that certain laws are in conflict governing the assumption of office of various local officials. The purpose of this section is to provide a common date for the assumption of office for all the elected officials of counties, cities, towns, and special purpose districts other than school districts where the ownership of property is not a prerequisite of voting. A person elected to the office of school director begins his or her term of office at the first official meeting of the board of directors after certification of the election results. It is also the purpose of this section to remove these conflicts and delete old statutory language concerning such elections which is no longer necessary.
(2) For elective offices of counties, cities, towns, and special purpose districts other than school districts where the ownership of property is not a prerequisite of voting, the term of incumbents ends and the term of successors begins after the successor is elected and qualified, and the term commences immediately after December 31st following the election, except as follows:
(a) Where the term of office varies from this standard according to statute; and
(b) If the election results have not been certified prior to January 1st after the election, in which event the time of commencement for the new term occurs when the successor becomes qualified in accordance with RCW 29A.04.133.
(3) For elective offices governed by this section, the oath of office must be taken as the last step of qualification as defined in RCW 29A.04.133 but may be taken either:
(a) Up to ten days prior to the scheduled date of assuming office; or
(b) At the last regular meeting of the governing body of the applicable county, city, town, or special district held before the winner is to assume office.
[2003 c 111 § 504; 1999 c 298 § 3; 1980 c 35 § 7; 1979 ex.s. c 126 § 1. Formerly RCW 29.04.170.]
Notes: Severability -- 1980 c 35: See note following RCW 28A.343.300.
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29A.20.111
Definitions — "Convention" and "election jurisdiction."
A "convention" for the purposes of this chapter, is an organized assemblage of registered voters representing an independent candidate or candidates or a new or minor political party, organization, or principle. As used in this chapter, the term "election jurisdiction" shall mean the state or any political subdivision or jurisdiction of the state from which partisan officials are elected. This term shall include county commissioner districts or council districts for members of a county legislative authority, counties for county officials who are nominated and elected on a county-wide basis, legislative districts for members of the legislature, congressional districts for members of Congress, and the state for president and vice president, members of the United States senate, and state officials who are elected on a statewide basis.
[2004 c 271 § 188.]
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29A.20.121
Nomination by convention or write-in — Dates — Special filing period. (Effective until January 1, 2007.)
(1) Any nomination of a candidate for partisan public office by other than a major political party may be made only: (a) In a convention held not earlier than the last Saturday in June and not later than the first Saturday in July or during any of the seven days immediately preceding the first day for filing declarations of candidacy as fixed in accordance with RCW 29A.28.041; (b) as provided by RCW 29A.60.021; or (c) as otherwise provided in this section. Minor political party and independent candidates may appear only on the general election ballot.
(2) Nominations of candidates for president and vice president of the United States other than by a major political party may be made either at a convention conducted under subsection (1) of this section, or at a similar convention taking place not earlier than the first Sunday in July and not later than seventy days before the general election. Conventions held during this time period may not nominate candidates for any public office other than president and vice president of the United States, except as provided in subsection (3) of this section.
(3) If a special filing period for a partisan office is opened under RCW 29A.24.211, candidates of minor political parties and independent candidates may file for office during that special filing period. The names of those candidates may not appear on the general election ballot unless they are nominated by convention held no later than five days after the close of the special filing period and a certificate of nomination is filed with the filing officer no later than three days after the convention. The requirements of RCW 29A.20.131 do not apply to such a convention.
(4) A minor political party may hold more than one convention but in no case shall any such party nominate more than one candidate for any one partisan public office or position. For the purpose of nominating candidates for the offices of president and vice president, United States senator, United States representative, or a statewide office, a minor party or independent candidate holding multiple conventions may add together the number of signatures of different individuals from each convention obtained in support of the candidate or candidates in order to obtain the number required by RCW 29A.20.141. For all other offices for which nominations are made, signatures of the requisite number of registered voters must be obtained at a single convention.
[2004 c 271 § 110.]
RCW 29A.20
Nomination by convention or write-in — Dates — Special filing period. (Effective January 1, 2007.)
(1) Any nomination of a candidate for partisan public office by other than a major political party may be made only: (a) In a convention held not earlier than the first Saturday in May and not later than the second Saturday in May or during any of the seven days immediately preceding the first day for filing declarations of candidacy as fixed in accordance with RCW 29A.28.041; (b) as provided by RCW 29A.60.021; or (c) as otherwise provided in this section. Minor political party and independent candidates may appear only on the general election ballot.
(2) Nominations of candidates for president and vice president of the United States other than by a major political party may be made either at a convention conducted under subsection (1) of this section, or at a similar convention taking place not earlier than the first Saturday in June and not later than the fourth Saturday in July. Conventions held during this time period may not nominate candidates for any public office other than president and vice president of the United States, except as provided in subsection (3) of this section.
(3) If a special filing period for a partisan office is opened under RCW 29A.24.211, candidates of minor political parties and independent candidates may file for office during that special filing period. The names of those candidates may not appear on the general election ballot unless they are nominated by convention held no later than five days after the close of the special filing period and a certificate of nomination is filed with the filing officer no later than three days after the convention. The requirements of RCW 29A.20.131 do not apply to such a convention.
(4) A minor political party may hold more than one convention but in no case shall any such party nominate more than one candidate for any one partisan public office or position. For the purpose of nominating candidates for the offices of president and vice president, United States senator, United States representative, or a statewide office, a minor party or independent candidate holding multiple conventions may add together the number of signatures of different individuals from each convention obtained in support of the candidate or candidates in order to obtain the number required by RCW 29A.20.141. For all other offices for which nominations are made, signatures of the requisite number of registered voters must be obtained at a single convention.
[2006 c 344 § 4; 2004 c 271 § 110.]
Notes: Effective date -- 2006 c 344 §§ 1-16 and 18-40: See note following RCW 29A.04.311.
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29A.20.131
Convention — Notice.
Each minor party or independent candidate must publish a notice in a newspaper of general circulation within the county in which the party or the candidate intends to hold a convention. The notice must appear at least ten days before the convention is to be held, and shall state the date, time, and place of the convention. Additionally, it shall include the mailing address of the person or organization sponsoring the convention.
[2004 c 271 § 189.]
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29A.20.141
Convention — Requirements for validity.
(1) To be valid, a convention must be attended by at least one hundred registered voters.
(2) In order to nominate candidates for the offices of president and vice president of the United States, United States senator, United States representative, or any statewide office, a nominating convention shall obtain and submit to the filing officer the signatures of at least one thousand registered voters of the state of Washington. In order to nominate candidates for any other office, a nominating convention shall obtain and submit to the filing officer the signatures of one hundred persons who are registered to vote in the jurisdiction of the office for which the nominations are made.
[2004 c 271 § 111.]
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29A.20.151
Nominating petition — Requirements.
A nominating petition submitted under this chapter shall clearly identify the name of the minor party or independent candidate convention as it appears on the certificate of nomination as required by RCW 29A.20.161(3). The petition shall also contain a statement that the person signing the petition is a registered voter of the state of Washington and shall have a space for the voter to sign his or her name and to print his or her name and address. No person may sign more than one nominating petition under this chapter for an office for an election.
[2004 c 271 § 112.]
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29A.20.161
Certificate of nomination — Requisites.
A certificate evidencing nominations made at a convention must:
(1) Be in writing;
(2) Contain the name of each person nominated, his or her residence, and the office for which he or she is named, and if the nomination is for the offices of president and vice president of the United States, a sworn statement from both nominees giving their consent to the nomination;
(3) Identify the minor political party or the independent candidate on whose behalf the convention was held;
(4) Be verified by the oath of the presiding officer and secretary;
(5) Be accompanied by a nominating petition or petitions bearing the signatures and addresses of registered voters equal in number to that required by RCW 29A.20.141;
(6) Contain proof of publication of the notice of calling the convention; and
(7) Be submitted to the appropriate filing officer not later than one week following the adjournment of the convention at which the nominations were made. If the nominations are made only for offices whose jurisdiction is entirely within one county, the certificate and nominating petitions must be filed with the county auditor. If a minor party or independent candidate convention nominates any candidates for offices whose jurisdiction encompasses more than one county, all nominating petitions and the convention certificates must be filed with the secretary of state.
[2004 c 271 § 154.]
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29A.20.171
Multiple certificates of nomination.
(1) If two or more valid certificates of nomination are filed purporting to nominate different candidates for the same position using the same party name, the filing officer must give effect to both certificates. If conflicting claims to the party name are not resolved either by mutual agreement or by a judicial determination of the right to the name, the candidates must be treated as independent candidates. Disputes over the right to the name must not be permitted to delay the printing of either ballots or a voters' pamphlet. Other candidates nominated by the same conventions may continue to use the partisan affiliation unless a court of competent jurisdiction directs otherwise.
(2) A person affected may petition the superior court of the county in which the filing officer is located for a judicial determination of the right to the name of a minor political party, either before or after documents are filed with the filing officer. The court shall resolve the conflict between competing claims to the use of the same party name according to the following principles: (a) The prior established public use of the name during previous elections by a party composed of or led by the same individuals or individuals in documented succession; (b) prior established public use of the name earlier in the same election cycle; (c) the nomination of a more complete slate of candidates for a number of offices or in a number of different regions of the state; (d) documented affiliation with a national or statewide party organization with an established use of the name; (e) the first date of filing of a certificate of nomination; and (f) such other indicia of an established right to use of the name as the court may deem relevant. If more than one filing officer is involved, and one of them is the secretary of state, the petition must be filed in the superior court for Thurston county. Upon resolving the conflict between competing claims, the court may also address any ballot designation for the candidate who does not prevail.
[2004 c 271 § 155.]
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29A.20.181
Presidential electors — Selection at convention.
A minor political party or independent candidate convention nominating candidates for the offices of president and vice president of the United States shall, not later than ten days after the adjournment of the convention, submit a list of presidential electors to the office of the secretary of state. The list shall contain the names and the mailing addresses of the persons selected and shall be verified by the presiding officer of the convention.
[2004 c 271 § 156.]
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29A.20.191
Certificate of nomination — Checking signatures — Appeal of determination.
Upon the receipt of the certificate of nomination, the officer with whom it is filed shall check the certificate and canvass the signatures on the accompanying nominating petitions to determine if the requirements of RCW 29A.20.141 have been met. Once the determination has been made, the filing officer shall notify the presiding officer of the convention and any other persons requesting the notification, of his or her decision regarding the sufficiency of the certificate or the nominating petitions. Any appeal regarding the filing officer's determination must be filed with the superior court of the county in which the certificate or petitions were filed not later than five days from the date the determination is made, and shall be heard and finally disposed of by the court within five days of the filing. Nominating petitions shall not be available for public inspection or copying.
[2004 c 271 § 157.]
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29A.20.201
Declarations of candidacy required, exceptions — Payment of fees.
Not later than the Friday immediately preceding the first day for candidates to file, the secretary of state shall notify the county auditors of the names and designations of all minor party and independent candidates who have filed valid convention certificates and nominating petitions with that office. Except for the offices of president and vice president, persons nominated under this chapter shall file declarations of candidacy as provided by RCW 29A.24.031 and 29A.24.070. The name of a candidate nominated at a convention shall not be printed upon the general election ballot unless he or she pays the fee required by law to be paid by candidates for the same office to be nominated at a primary.
[2004 c 271 § 113.]