Convention StateWA

Establishing the Party in Washington

This state allows new parties to organize through a founding convention process.

Signature / Registration Requirement

Hold a state convention; nominate by convention vote

Filing Deadline

First week of January

Election Authority

Secretary of State

Key Statute

RCW 29A.20.111

Ballot Access Maintenance

5% of statewide vote for major party status

Strategic Notes

Top-two primary system means all candidates regardless of party appear on same ballot.

Complete filing documentation for state election authority

Governing rules for your state coordinating body

Must be adopted at your founding convention

For local chapters within the state to formalize

For nominating candidates under the party banner