Law, Rules and Information for Filers
FAQs
How do I get the 'Upload to SEEC' option in ORCA?
Click on ORCA Tips to the right of this screen. Follow the instructions there.
"What is the deadline for filing for office?"
There are two "Filing Deadlines": 1) Candidates must file for Campaign Disclosure reporting, and 2) they must file to put their name on the ballot.
For campaign disclosure purposes, a person running for office must file PDC Forms C-1 (Statement of Organization) and Form F-1 (Personal Financial Affairs) within 2 weeks of becoming a candidate. Forms are available on the PDC's website.
You become a candidate when you a. publicly announce you are a candidate, b. raise or spend money for your candidacy, c. solicit contributions or pledges contingent on your candidacy, d. reserve office or advertising space, or e. allow someone to do b. c. or d. on your behalf. The C-1 is filed with the PDC and the Seattle City Clerk.
The deadline for putting your name on the ballot in 2009 is Friday, June 5. This is called the Declaration of Candidacy. Candidates file the DoC with King County Elections. A filing fee or signatures in lieu of a filing fee must be included with the DoC.
What is the Contribution Limit for candidates on the ballot in 2009?
The contribution limit is $700 for the 2009 Election Cycle.
"Are there limits on contributions to City Campaigns?"
Yes there are limits. As of May 1, 2006 a person (individual, business, or corporation) cannot contribute more than $700 to any candidate's campaign. The $700 limit is in effect through the 2009 Election Cycle.
Ballot issue campaigns do not have contribution limits except during the final 21 days before an election. During that time, no person can contribute more than $5,000 to a ballot issue campaign.
"With State and Federal Elections a person can contribute a certain amount in the primary and then the same amount in the general election. Is it the same with the City?"
No, it is not the same. The $700 limit applies to the entire election cycle, there is not a separate limit for the primary and another limit for the general.
"I want to run for office or start a ballot issue campaign, who should I talk to first?"
If you are interested in becoming a candidate for Seattle Mayor, City Attorney or City Council, or running a City ballot issue campaign, we've created a 2008/09 Candidate Committee Guide. (The file is 312kb.)
While the Guide is thorough and informative, it can't possibly answer all your questions, so we invite you to Contact our Campaign Finance or Training staff as early in your decision-making process as possible.
For all other offices, (i.e. Seattle School Board, Port of Seattle Commission, Judges, etc.) contact the WA State PDC.
"What about the initiative itself, filing it, creating petitions, getting a ballot title, gathering signatures, etc...?"
Please check out the Seattle City Clerk's site or call the Clerk at (206) 684-8344 to learn more about putting an initiative on the ballot.
"Where do I go to Electronically File?"
www2.ci.seattle.wa.us/ethics/filers/login.asp
"Can I electronically file the C-1 and the F-1?"
There is no provision for e-filing the C-1 or the F-1 with the City of Seattle. You must file the C-1 and the F-1 on paper.
"Where do I send reports filed on paper?"
Seattle City Clerk
PO Box 94728
Seattle, WA 98124-4728
Filers also have a campaign disclosure filing obligation with the WA State Public Disclosure Commission.
"I plan to electronically file, but I can't this period. Can I just file my C-3s and C-4s on paper?
No. If you are having difficulty e-filing please Contact our Campaign Finance or Training staff.
"What's the Election Cycle?"
The Election Cycle is a four-year period. It begins on May 1 three and a half years before the general election and ends on April 30 of the year following the general election for the office the candidate is seeking. For example, the Election Cycle for candidates running for office in 2009 is May 1, 2006 through April 30, 2010.
"What about the candidate themselves, do they have a limit on what they can contribute to their own campaign?"
No, for the most part they can give as much as they want to their own campaign. However, in the final 21 days of an election the candidate can contribute no more than $5,000 to their own campaign.
"I'm organizing a forum or debate and need to get contact information for each campaign?"
Click on the "Campaigns" link in the top row of the menu at the top of this page.
"I'm thinking about running for City Office. When do I need to start filing disclosure forms?"
or
"I am working with a group of people who are considering trying to place a ballot issue before the voters of Seattle. When do we need to start filing disclosure forms?"
City law requires a candidate or ballot issue committee to begin filing reports within two weeks of doing any one of the following:
- publicly announcing candidacy (candidates only),
- reserving facilities for campaign activity,
- soliciting or receiving money for a campaign or an exploratory campaign,
- spending money on a campaign, whether campaign funds or personal funds,
- soliciting pledges contingent on candidacy,
- for ballot issue committees, having the expectation to raise or spend money promoting or opposing ballot issue, or
- authorizing another to do any of the above.
"How do I learn more about what I need to file?"
The Seattle Ethics & Elections Commission offers training to all candidates, treasurers, campaign staff or volunteers who would like to learn more about disclosure regulations. The training takes approximately two hours. If you would like to make an appointment for a training session at our office please Contact our Campaign Finance or Training staff.
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