Law, Rules and Information for Filers
Video Voters' Guide FAQs
Who can participate in the Video Voters’ Guide?
Seattle candidates and ballot issue committees and certain King County campaigns and ballot issues are invited to participate in the Video Voters’ Guide. Separate Voters’ Guides are produced for the Primary and General Elections.
If three or more candidates file for the position in a non-partisan office, their names will appear on the primary ballot. All of these races are non-partisan. Only candidates who are on the primary ballot will be taped for the Primary Election Video Voters' Guide.
In the case of ballot issues, representatives of both the pro and con sides may participate.
Positions up for election in 2013 include:
King County Executive
King County Sheriff
King County Council Districts 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
Port of Seattle Commissioner Positions 1, 2*, 3, 4
Seattle Mayor
Seattle City Attorney
Seattle City Council Positions 2, 4, 6, 8
Seattle School District No. 1, Director Districts 4, 5, 7
* Special Election to complete remaining two years of an unexpired term.
How do I schedule an appointment to tape my statement?
Contact Anthony Adams at
Seattle Ethics & Elections, for appointment information.
What is the purpose of the Video Voters’ Guide?
The Video Voters’ Guide supplements the printed Voters’ Pamphlet by providing an alternate format for citizens to learn about candidates and issues.
Candidates and issue representatives should prepare separate statements for the video guide and the printed guide, with the separate formats in mind. Be aware that different deadlines and rules apply to the video vs. the printed guides.
Who produces the Video Voters' Guides?
Seattle and King County have jointly produced Video Voters’ Guides every other year since 1993. Separate Video Guides are produced for the Primary and the General elections.
Two editions of each guide are produced; one that includes Seattle and School District candidates and issues, and one that includes King County and Port candidates and issues.
The statements are taped at the studios of The Seattle Channel, with post-production services by King County Television. Taping and publicity are coordinated by Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission staff.
Where are the Video Voters’ Guides available?
The guide is broadcast repeatedly over Seattle Municipal Channel 21, King County TV Channel 22, and other local public cable stations for at least two weeks prior to the election.
It is also viewable on line at The
Seattle Channel, King County Television, and the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission’s web sites at least two weeks prior to the election. Archived copies are also currently viewable at the
Seattle Channel Elections Videos web site. Past Video Voters' Guides for Seattle races are also available at Seattle Ethics and Elections Voters' Guide webpage.
Why is there a fee?
A fee is charged to help defray the cost of production. Campaigns that do not have the $100 fee, may request a waiver.
Participants who are in the General Election have an opportunity to use their Primary Election tape in the General Election video guide and pay a $50 fee, or tape a new statement and pay a $100 fee, or request a waiver.
Are there Rules?
Candidates for Seattle Mayor, City Attorney and City Council and Seattle ballot issue committees must comply with the
Seattle Video Voters’ Guide Rules.
County, Port and School District candidates and ballot issues must follow the King County Video Voters' Guide Rules.
See the Fact Sheet for
more information,
or contact Anthony Adams at
Seattle Ethics & Elections.
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