Washington State

Office of the Attorney General

Attorney General

Bob Ferguson

AGO 1966 NO. 95 >

A person who has filed a declaration of candidacy for state legislative office designated pursuant to RCW 29.18.015 may not file a second declaration of candidacy for another legislative position from the same legislative district without first withdrawing his initial declaration of candidacy as provided for in RCW 29.18.030.

AGLO 1974 NO. 97 >

RCW 41.06.250, as amended by § 1, chapter 136, Laws of 1974, 1st Ex. Sess., in granting to the employees of the state or any political subdivision thereof the right to engage in certain described political activities, does supersede the provisions of § 560 of the King county charter to the extent that this charter provision is in conflict with the state statute as thus amended.

AGLO 1974 NO. 103 >

A political party does not become a "major" political party on a state‑wide [[statewide]]basis solely as a result of one of its candidates having received at least ten percent of the votes cast for the office of state representative within a single legislative district; however, the party does become a major political party under those circumstances insofar as the legislative district itself is concerned.

AGO 1966 NO. 107 >

For purpose of eligibility to vote, a person does live in the state of Washington if he lives within the geographical limits of the state but in an area over which the United States Congress has the power of "exclusive legislation."

AGLO 1973 NO. 114 >

An organization dealing with its own funds does not become a "political committee" under RCW 42.17.020(22), merely by making contributions of those funds to or in support of a candidate for public office or ballot proposition; such an organization, however, will constitute a political committee if it receives contributions from others which, with the actual or constructive knowledge of the contributors, are set aside to be used for the support of such candidates or proposition.

AGO 1955 NO. 136 >

1955 School District levies are to be imposed upon assessed valuations determined pursuant to Ch. 253, Laws of 1955. A proposition for an excess levy stated in terms of rate of levy authorizes a levy to the full extent of the stated rate although the proposition also states that such levy will yield an approximate sum of money.

AGO 1955 NO. 146 >

Under Section 9, Chapter 181, Laws of 1955, the registration officer has authority to cancel a challenged registration in the event the voter concerned fails to respond to a notice of challenge. "Within the time as provided by law" as used in Section 9, Chapter 181, Laws of 1955, relating to the cancellation of registrations for nonresidents means the last day allowed for a registration (or transfer, as the case may be) prior to the first approaching primary or general election.

AGO 1953 NO. 152 >

An election petition requesting the calling of a special election for the purpose of annexing a portion of a city or town becomes a public record when filed with the city clerk.

AGO 1962 NO. 157 >

(1) A contract purchaser of land in an irrigation district under an ordinary contract for the sale of real property holds evidence of title to such land and therefore, if otherwise qualified, is entitled to vote in an irrigation district election. (2) A contract vendor of land in an irrigation district holds title to such land, and therefore, if otherwise qualified, is entitled to vote in an irrigation district election until such time as he does, by appropriate delivery of a deed, pass title to the purchaser. (3) The executor or administrator of the estate of a deceased holder of title to land in an irrigation district does not hold title or evidence of title to such land, and therefore is not entitled to vote in an irrigation district election. (4) The heirs or devisees of a deceased holder of title to land in an irrigation district do hold title to such land and therefore, if otherwise qualified, are entitled to vote in an irrigation district election. …

AGO 1955 NO. 157 >

Chapter 317, Laws of 1955, which prohibits anonymous political advertisements, includes advertising pertaining to state measures such as initiatives, referendums and proposed constitutional amendments, as well as local propositions such as excess tax levies or bond issues.