Ahead of the May filing week, residents interested in public office can join a virtual crash course hosted by Thurston County’s Auditor Office.
The event goes live on Zoom on Wednesday, April 16, at 5:30 p.m.
The online session will be a walk-through of what it takes to officially appear on the 2025 ballot, which includes more than 160 local positions across Thurston County.
During the session, participants will get a breakdown of each step as it covers how to file their candidacy either online, by mail, or in person, and what materials must be submitted, including a 200-word statement and photo for the official voters’ pamphlet.
The workshop will also go over the timeline from May’s filing week through the primary and general election deadlines.
To further assist the election hopefuls, the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission will present financial rules, such as how to report donations and expenses, and what public records must be filed throughout the campaign period.
Attendees will also go over important dates, including the final day to file on May 9, the deadline to withdraw on May 12, and the May 20 cutoff to turn in voters’ pamphlet content.
Following the filing period, ballot placement will be decided through a random lot draw held after filing closes.
Since only one candidate statement will be printed for both the primary and general elections, submissions must be complete and on time.
The workshop is open to all interested residents.
Most local offices on the 2025 ballot, such as school board, fire commissioner and parks positions do not carry a filing fee.
However, city council and mayoral roles in places like Olympia, Tumwater and Yelm have fees that range from $36 to over $300, depending on the post.
According to the Elections Division, filing opens May 5 and closes May 9. Candidates may file online at ThurstonWAVotes.gov, by mail starting April 21, or in person at the Elections Division office in Tumwater.
To take part, connect through this link.
For the full spread of open offices and filing instructions, the 2025 Candidate Guide has the rundown.
To get clarification or support with your filing, contact the Elections Office at elections@co.thurston.wa.us or 360.786.5408.
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