Running for Office

​Candidate Filing

2025-26 Kitsap County Candidate Guidelines - This guide provides much of what you will need to know for filing to run for office, writing your candidate statement and provides other contacts useful to you in your campaign. 

Positions available in 2026

Printed copies of the Kitsap candidate guidelines book are available at the Kitsap County Auditor's Office - Elections Division, 619 Division Street, Port Orchard, WA 98366. 

Public Disclosure Commission Fact Sheets

Outline of first steps after announcing a candidacy

Detailed guide to the financial affairs disclosure form (F-1)

Table of contribution limits for political campaigns

The PDC also has a training web page with links to videos addressing the topics above and instructions on how to use the PDC’s online filing system, as well as training schedules.

Go to the PDC's Public Disclosure Registration and Reporting for comprehensive information about PDC requirements. Most candidates are required to file financial documents with the Public Disclosure Commission.



Important 2026 dates for candidates

Filing week​ ​May 4-8, 2026
​Withdrawal Deadline
 ​May 11, 2026
Pamphlet statement due​ ​May 19, 2026
​Video Statement due
 ​June 15, 2026
​Primary
 ​August 4, 2026
General Election​ ​November 3, 2026


Obtaining Voter Data and Election Results.

Voter data useful to candidates and campaigns.  


Lot Draw
Each year we draw lots to determine the order candidates appear on the ballot. The draw for elections in 2025 was completed shortly after filing ended on Friday, May 9, 2025. Below is the video. Here is a PDF version.

 



Kitsap Campaign Guidelines


2026 Candidate Filing Dates

April 20 - First day candidates can mail candidate filings.

May 4-8 - Candidate filing week

May 11 - Las day for candidates to withdraw

May 19 - Deadline for voters' pamphlet statements from candidates in the Primary.

June 2 Deadline for voters' pamphlet statements for candidates not in the Primary.

TBA - Special filing period for races with no candidates after May 11.

July 16 - Last day candidates can file for free to be write-in candidates in the Primary. 

July 17-August 4 - Candidates can file as a write-in candidates for the Primary races, but must pay a filing fee

October 15 - Last day candidates can file for free to be a write-in candidate in the General Election. 

October 16-November 3 - Candidates can file as a write-in candidate for General Election races, but must pay a filing fee.