Law, Rules and Information for Filers
2011 Election Report
FAQs
Who/What's on the Seattle ballot in 2011?
There are five City Council positions on the November 2011 ballot: Positions 1,3,5,7,and 9.
There are two Seattle ballot issues on the November 2011 ballot: The Families and Education Levy - Proposition 1, placed on the ballot by the City Council, and
The Seattle Transportation Benefit District - Proposition 1, placed on the ballot by the Transportation Benefit District.
King County, the Port of Seattle and the Seattle School Board all have positions on the ballot this year as well. See King County Elections for more information about these candidates.
What is the Contribution Limit for candidates on the ballot in 2011?
The contribution limit is $700 for the 2011 Election Cycle.
Are there limits on contributions to ballot issue campaigns?
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 for candidates applies to the entire election cycle, there is not a separate limit for the primary and another limit for the general.
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 a Declaration of Candidacy to put their name on the ballot.
For campaign disclosure purposes, a person running for office must file PDC Form C-1 (Statement of Organization) and Form F-1 (Personal Financial Affairs) within 2 weeks of becoming a candidate. In 2010 the PDC and the SEEC began accepting e-filed C-1s. Follow the instructions in the set up wizard in ORCA to e-file your C-1.
Alternatively, paper forms are available on the PDC's website. The City still requires the F-1 be filed on paper.
The deadline for putting your name on the ballot in 2011 is Friday, June 10. This is called the Declaration of Candidacy. Candidates file the DoC with King County Elections. The filing fee or signatures in lieu of a filing fee must be included with the DoC.
When do I have to start filing reports?
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.
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 2011 Candidate Committee Guide. Click on the Guide Book link to the right.
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?
Yes! Follow the steps in the ORCA setup wizard to e-file the C-1.
Can I electronically file the F-1?
While the PDC does allow for e-filing of the F-1, the City is not set up for this. Please print a copy of your e-filed F-1, and deliver it to the City Clerk. Remember to sign the printed form before filing it.
Alternatively, you can complete the F-1 on paper. Blank forms are available on the PDC's website. Sign and file the completed form with the PDC and the City Clerk.
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 2011 is May 1, 2008 through April 30, 2012.
What about the candidates 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.
Please note that the State PDC places restrictions on the amount a candidate can be repaid for loans made to the campaign. Contact the PDC to learn about candidate loans before making any campaign loans if you have any expectation of recouping those funds.
How can I get contact information for each campaign?
Click on the "Campaigns" link in the top row of the menu at the top of this page.
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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