What is different about Washington's primary election this year?

First, the Washington State Primary election will be in August. There will NOT be another primary before the November General Election.

Second, the State will conduct a Top Two Primary for the first time. Voters will not have to pick a party. They will be able to choose among all candidates for each office. In each race, the two candidates with the most votes will advance to the General Election on November 4.

What is a Top Two Primary?

In a top two primary, all candidates running for each office are listed without being supported, nominated or endorsed by a political party. Each candidate for partisan office may state a political party that he or she prefers, but that preference does not imply that the candidate is nominated or endorsed by the party or that the party approves of or associates with that candidate. The two candidates who receive the most votes qualify for the General Election.

What offices are affected?

The Top Two Primary applies to elections for partisan office. This includes the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the State Legislature, partisan statewide offices such as Governor, and partisan local offices.

The Secretary of State provides a complete list of candidates and information in English, Spanish and Chinese. Click on: http://www.secstate.wa.gov/elections/filing_for_elective_office.aspx

What offices are NOT affected?

The Top Two Primary does not apply to elections for President and Vice President, or nonpartisan offices such as judicial positions, municipal positions, or a junior taxing district such as fire district or school board.

Can the political parties still nominate candidates?

Yes. But, those nominations or endorsements will not be printed on the ballot.

Can candidates still advertise themselves as nominees of a political party?

Yes. Candidates can promote themselves in voters' pamphlets, advertisements, and other forums as the nominees of a political party, just not on the ballot. The ballot will not publicize the political party choices.

If a candidate is not a nominee of a political party, may (s)he still list that party as her/his preference on the ballot?

Yes. Candidates may state on the declaration of candidacy which political party they prefer, or they may indicate no preference. That information will be listed on the ballot. This is strictly an expression of that candidate's preference. It does not imply that the candidate is nominated or endorsed by the party, or that the party approves of or associates with that candidate.

Could a race in the General Election include two candidates who prefer the same party?

Yes. The candidates in each race who advance to the General Election will be
the two who receive the most votes in the Primary. It is possible that both candidates who advance to the General Election prefer the same party.

How did the Top Two Primary become law?

The Top Two Primary Initiative, 872, was passed by the voters in 2004 by almost 60%. Signatures of registered voters placed I-872 on the General Election ballot. In May 2005 the state Democratic, Republican and Libertarian parties sued in federal court to prevent its implementation. The case went to the U.S. Supreme Court, where the constitutionality of I-872 was upheld. This will be the first primary implementing the Top Two Primary.

Has any other state used the Top Two Primary?

The Top Two Primary has been in effect in Louisiana for 30 years. A group in Oregon has filed signatures for an initiative to place the Top Two Primary on their ballot this fall.

Is the new Top Two Primary the same as our previous "Blanket Primary"?

No. Under Washington's "Blanket Primary" system -- in effect from 1935 to 2004--candidates were identified by their party affiliation (Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, or Green for example). Voters could vote for a candidate of one party for one office, and then vote for a candidate of another party for the next office. Candidates in each political party receiving the highest number of votes were qualified to run in the general election.