Greetings Parent Leaders,
In Washington State, anyone who wants to run for elected office must officially file their paperwork with their local county auditor. "Filing Week" usually takes place in mid-May and lasts about five days. During this time, candidates submit their paperwork to have their names placed on the ballot. The time to file this year is May 4th- May 8th.
What is Filing Week?
Filing Week is the name for the short window when people sign up to run for elected office.
How does Filing Week work?
Running for office might sound complicated, but the first step is pretty simple:
- Choose a position
This could be a local role like school board or a precinct committee officer/PCO (we will explain this position in the next section) or something bigger like a state representative.
- Check that you qualify
Each role has basic requirements, like where you live.
- File your candidacy
You can file online or by mail through the Washington Secretary of State.
- Pay a small fee (sometimes)
Some positions have a filing fee. Others, like PCO, are usually free.
- You’re on the ballot
After filing, your name will appear on the August Primary ballot (if needed), or straight to the general election in November.
What is a PCO?
A Precinct Committee Officer (PCO) is a local volunteer leader for a political party (ex. Democrats or Republican). They represent a small geographic area called a precinct and help connect neighbors to the political process.
In Washington State, PCOs play an important grassroots role. It is a voluntary position which means they are not paid. Here’s what they typically do:
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Connect with neighbors
PCOs reach out to voters in their precinct, sharing information about elections, candidates, and issues.
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Support voter participation
They help people understand how and when to vote, and encourage turnout.
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Help build the local political party
PCOs may attend meetings, vote on party decisions, and help choose party leadership or endorsements (depending on the party).
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Support candidates and campaigns
This can include volunteering, sharing information, or helping organize locally.
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Be a community voice
PCOs can raise issues from their neighborhood and help bring those concerns into local political conversations.
A Graduate’s Perspective
Several of WAFE’s program graduates have stepped into leadership as Precinct Committee Officers (PCOs). One of them, Kathryn Sharpe (Graduate in Spring 2019 and Spring 2024), shares what the role has meant to her:
Serving as a PCO is a powerful way to stay connected to your community while making a tangible impact. Through activities like door knocking and phone banking, you build meaningful relationships with voters and serve as a direct link between community members and elected officials. The role also opens the door to deeper civic engagement, offering opportunities to vote on endorsements, help shape party decisions, and participate in special events and conventions.
Get Involved as a PCO
As a PCO, you can expect to spend about 1–5 hours per month for most of the year, with a bit more time during election season, unless you decide to take on a larger role. It’s a flexible, accessible entry point into civic leadership and a meaningful way to get involved at the local level. To learn more about running, reach out to your preferred political party in your city or county.
Strong communities are built by people who step forward. Filing Week is one of those moments where leadership begins at the local level.
If you’re curious, interested, or just want to learn more, we’re here to connect and support you.
