May 16 through May 20 is “filing” week in Washington State, which requires candidates to “declare their candidacy” by filing for public office. For months, party leaders have been working overtime to recruit candidates and encourage incumbents to run for re-election in 2022. The outcome of their efforts will be clear by the close of business on May 20.

The date can be extended if an office does not have candidates filed by the May 20th deadline.

Key dates looking forward include:

• May 27: Deadline for voter pamphlet statements and photographs from the candidates to be submitted.
• August 2: Primary election (ballots mailed to voters by July 15)
• November 8: General election (ballots mailed to voters by October 21)