The online period to file a declaration of candidacy will begin at 9 a.m., Mon., May 15 through 4 p.m. Fri., May 19

VANCOUVER – The filing period for citizens wishing to become candidates for elective office is rapidly approaching. Candidates are strongly encouraged to file their declaration online at clark.wa.gov/elections. The online period to file a declaration of candidacy will begin at 9 a.m., Mon., May 15 through 4 p.m. Fri., May 19, 2023. Candidates must have their declaration of candidacy submitted by 4 p.m. sharp. 

To file online as a candidate, a citizen must have a valid email address and be registered to vote in the jurisdiction for which they are filing. Candidates will also be able to pay any applicable filing fees online using a valid Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit card. Mobile devices are not recommended. For best results use Google Chrome. 

The in-person period to file a declaration of candidacy will begin at 8 am, Monday, May 15 through 5 pm, Friday, May 19, 2023. Candidates wishing to file for office in person can do so at the Clark County Elections Department, 1408 Franklin Street, Vancouver. Credit cards are not accepted for payment when filing in person. 

The offices open for candidate filing this year include a judicial position, city and town council positions including mayoral races, school district director positions as well as commissioner positions for fire, cemetery, sewer, port, and recreation districts. 

To determine if you meet all the qualifications for an elective office, please refer to the “Candidate Guide and Local Voters’ Pamphlet Specifications” that can be found on the Clark County Elections Department website at clark.wa.gov/elections/candidates. 

This year’s primary will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 1. The general election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 7. 

On Friday, May 19, shortly after 5 pm, a public lot drawing will be conducted to determine the ballot order for each race. This public drawing will be held at 1408 Franklin Street and may be witnessed by the news media, the public and by any candidate. Results of the lot draw will also be posted on our website. 

If you have further questions, you can contact the Clark County Elections Office by calling (564) 397-2345, by email at elections@clark.wa.gov or by visiting the office at 1408 Franklin Street, Vancouver.