Register with the PDC (Public Disclosure Commission)

Within two weeks* of the date you become a candidate, you must file a 

Personal Financial Affairs Statement (https://www.pdc.wa.gov/registration-reporting/forms-reports-directory)

AND​

Candidate Registration (https://www.pdc.wa.gov/campaign-online-filing)     

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Acquire a P.O. Box

Ensure that your campaign mailing address is separate from your personal mailing address.

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Find People to Help with Campaign Management and Administration

Examples include:

Campaign Manager, Campaign Treasurer (or, you can be your own treasurer)

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Acquire a EIN (Employer identification Number) for Your Campaign

Go to the IRS website @ https://sa.www4.irs.gov/modiein/individual/index.jsp

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Open a Political Candidate Bank Account

Not all banks have an option to open a candidate bank account.

Candidates must open a separate campaign account in a bank, credit union or savings and loan institution if they accept monetary contributions.

A candidate who personally funds his/her entire campaign and accepts no contributions does not have to open a bank account.  These candidates are required to make campaign books of account, which may include the personal checkbook register, available for public inspection by appointment the week before the election.

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Acquire a Fundraising Account that Links to Your Bank Account

Anedot is commonly used for political campaigns:  (https://www.anedot.com/) 

 

File for Office

Requires paying a filing fee based on seat.

File In-person, By Mail, or Online (https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/candidates/online-candidate-filing.aspx)​

 

Prepare Local Voter’s Guide Candidate Statement

Acquire a professional photo of head and shoulders.