Minutes after Filing Week ends May 20, State Elections Director Lori Augino (left) and Elections Division staff do a lot draw to determine the order candidates will appear on the ballot.  (Photo courtesy of Patrick McDonald)

Washington’s 2016 election cycle is officially under way, with Filing Week completed and Secretary of State Kim Wyman certifying candidate lists to the 39 counties this week. Candidates also are preparing Voters’ Pamphlet statements, including photo, bio, statement and campaign contact information. Online deadline is May 27.

Filing Week produced a bumper crop of candidates — 680 for 345 offices. The Secretary of State  accepted filings for federal and statewide candidates, the state Supreme Court, and all legislative and judicial offices encompassing more than one county. (Here is a list of federal, statewide, legislative and judicial candidates who filed.) County election departments handled all other filings, including the Legislature, local offices, and precinct committee officer (2,190 Democrats and 1,855 Republicans in the latter category).

Seventeen candidates signed up for U.S. Senate, 11 each for governor and lieutenant governor, seven for lands commissioner, nine for state school superintendent, and smaller numbers for the other statewide posts.  Three incumbent state Supreme Court justices and their challengers signed up.  Many of the legislative seats drew attention, as did all 10 U.S. House districts.

Candidates could file in person, by mail or online, and most chose the latter option. State Elections Division staff set up in Secretary Wyman’s conference room in the Capitol for the week. They concluded with a random lot draw to determine candidates’ order on the ballot.

Wyman said:

“We’re grateful for all the candidates who stepped up to run for office this year. Self-government is so important in this state and country and it’s always good to see many contested elections.  This election year is really engaging voters and I expect a robust turnout in both our Aug. 2 Primary and our Nov. 8 General Election.”

Under Washington’s Top 2 system, candidates designate the party label they prefer, using up to 16 characters. The choice usually is Democratic or Republican, but candidates were free to use other party preferences or no label at all. The party designation does not necessarily mean the candidate carries that party’s blessings or affiliation. Judicial races, the state school superintendent and some other offices are nonpartisan.

The filing fee is 1 percent of one year’s salary for the office sought. Examples: U.S. Senate or House, $1,740; governor, $1,718.98; Legislature, $454.74; and state Supreme Court, $1,794.32.