Washington Administrative Code
Title 434 - Secretary of State
Chapter 434-215 - Declarations of candidacy and filing procedures
Section 434-215-130 - Minor political party candidates and independent candidates

(1) In the election system enacted as chapter 2, Laws of 2005, there is no distinction between major party candidates, minor party candidates, or independent candidates filing for partisan congressional, state, or county office. All candidates filing for these partisan offices have the same filing and qualifying requirements. All candidates for partisan office have the option of stating on the ballot their preference for a political party, or stating no party preference. The party preference information plays no role in determining how candidates are elected to public office.

(2) If two or more certificates of nomination are filed purporting to nominate the same candidates for president and vice-president by two different minor political parties, or both by a party and as an independent candidate, the first valid certificate of nomination filed with the secretary of state shall be accepted and subsequent certificates must be rejected.