At the start of the campaign, nearly all candidates will file a Personal Financial Affairs Statement (F-1).  Basically a statement identifying potential conflicts of interest, elected officials continue to file the F-1 annually each year they remain in office.  Find more details in the Instructions for Personal Financial Affairs disclosure.

Most candidates will be required to register a campaign regularly disclose contributor and expenditure information. Filing requirements are determined by the office sought and how much money the candidate expects to raise and spend:   

  • A candidate for state office must file a registration with the PDC (C-1)  and personal financial affairs statement ( F-1). 
  • A candidate for local office that covers an entire county must file a registration with the PDC (C-1)  and personal financial affairs statement ( F-1). 
  • ​A candidate for a local office that does not include the entire county files the F-1 if there are at least 2,000 registered voters in the jurisdiction. The candidate also files the C-1 if there are at least 5,000 registered voters in the jurisdiction or the candidate expects to raise $5,000 for the campaign.

Not accepting contributions does not relieve a candidate from filing a C-1.

Candidates who report contributions will be required to comply with accelerated disclosure requirements for contributions of $1,000 or more received immediately before an election.

Where to Submit Reports

Campaign reports must be filed electronically with the PDC.  The PDC provides free software to candidates that may be used to report contributions and expenditures.

Local Filing Requirements:  

  • King County:  King County requires elected officials to annually file a financial disclosure statement. Check with King County Ethics for details. 
  • Pierce County:  Appointed department heads also file the F-1 with the Pierce County Auditor.
  • Snohomish County:  Elected officials and candidates for county elective office must follow PDC requirements on filing F-1 reports.  Snohomish County appointed officials and certain board and commission members must file a Statement of Financial and Other Interests with the County Auditor’s Office.  For more information visit snohomishcountyfinancialdisclosurereports    
  • City of Seattle:  Municipal candidates also register and file campaign reports with the Seattle Ethics & Elections Commission.

The PDC staff is not aware of any other local filing requirements.

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