A presidential race, a new Governor, Public Lands Commissioner and Attorney General each, not to mention countless seats in the state Senate and House of Representatives up for grabs; there is no question that the 2024 campaign cycle will be an important year for political engagement. Many organizations are busy developing budgets to contribute politically to candidates, initiatives and political action committees (PACs).
With the 2024 campaign season fast approaching, keep track of the key dates that will help orient you during one of the most politically exciting times of the year:
- March 7: Scheduled last day of the 2024 regular session.
- March 13: The first day that Initiatives to the Legislature can be filed with the Secretary of State.
- April 29: The first day that the filing officer may receive candidate declarations by mail.
- May 6: Official candidate filing week opens.
- May 10: Final day for all candidates to file for office.
- July 5: The last business day to submit petition signatures supporting Initiatives to the People with the Secretary of State.
- August 5: Primary Election.
- August 23: Deadline for the Secretary of State to certify primary election results.
- November 5: General Election
Developing an effective campaign contribution plan can be complex.
Make the process easier by brushing up on deadlines and campaign contribution limits and requirements ahead of time.
Consider the following….
- Contributions to a general election cannot be made after December 31st of an election year, except if a candidate is using personal funds for their own campaign.
- Washington State maintains a campaign contribution “freeze period” during legislative session each year, during which elected officials cannot accept any political funding. The exception to this rule includes newly elected legislators or statewide officials, who are not subject to the freeze period until they are officially sworn into office.
- All PACs, unions, corporations or other entities are required to file a certification that your organization is not a foreign national when making a contribution.
Contribution Limits
PAC, Union, Corporation, Other Entity
Judicial Candidates ……………………………… $2,400 per Election
Legislative Candidates ……………………………… $1,200 per Election
Caucus Political Committee ……………………………… No limit
Political Action Committee (PAC) ……………………………… No limit
Port Commissioners ……………………………… $2,400 per Election
State Executive Candidate…………………………… $2,400 per Election
Individuals
Judicial Candidates ……………………………… $2,400 per Election
Legislative Candidates ……………………………… $1,200 per Election
Caucus Political Committee ……………………………… No limit
Political Action Committee (PAC) ……………………………… No limit
Port Commissioners ……………………………… $2,400 per Election
State Executive Candidate ……………………………… $2,400 per Election
