Running for President of the United States
To appear on the ballot in Washington state as a presidential candidate, candidates must comply with the convention process. There is no filing fee. Major political parties must submit their nominees to the Secretary of State no later than the third Tuesday of August. Minor parties and independent candidates must hold a state convention and gather 1,000 signatures from registered voters.
Major Political Party Candidates
A major party in the state of Washington is any political party or organization whose nominees for president and vice president received at least five percent of the total votes cast at the last (2024) presidential election. In 2028, only the Republican and Democratic parties qualify as major political parties.
A major party's national convention will determine the official party nominee appearing on the Washington ballot. State law mandates that the November general election ballot will only contain the names of the major political parties' official nominees (RCW 29A.56.320).
Minor/Independent Candidates
A minor party in the state of Washington is any political party or organization whose nominees for president and vice president failed to receive at least five percent of the total votes cast at the last (2024) presidential election.
An independent candidate is not affiliated with a political organization.
Unless seeking nomination by the major parties, Republican or Democrat, use the information and documents provided in the brochure Guide for Minor Party & Independent Candidates.
To appear on the General Election ballot either as a nominee of a minor party or as an independent candidate, candidates must demonstrate support by Washington voters through petition of 1,000 signatures of registered voters. These voters must attend a state convention held in support of the party or candidate. Conventions may only be during a specific period, from the first Saturday in May to the last Saturday in July. The Convention Chair must submit all required documents to the Secretary of State by the first Friday in August.
Minor Party & Independent Presidential Candidates Guide.pdf
Write-in Candidates
The final option for any candidate is to have the voter write their name on the line following the last candidate of the race. Candidates must file a declaration of write-in candidacy by 8 pm on Election Day. Do not submit before January of 2028.
For more information on the write-in process please visit our write-in candidacy page.