Adams County election filing open until Friday

RITZVILLE — Adams County opened its 2026 candidate filing period Monday, giving residents five days to declare their campaigns for a wide slate of federal, state and county offices. 

Filing remains open through 5 p.m. Friday, May 8. Candidates may submit their declarations online through the Secretary of State’s website or through the Adams County Auditor’s page, which also lists all open positions, filing fees and key deadlines. In‑person filings are being accepted at the Adams County Elections Office at 106 W. Main Ave. in Ritzville from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the week. 

Elections Administrator Jaque Laird said the process has gone smoothly so far.  

“Everybody has been doing really good… they’ve been filling out the form fine,” she said, noting that no errors or incomplete filings have surfaced in the first days of the period. 

This election cycle features a full slate of federal, state and county offices, with turnover expected at multiple levels of government.  

At the federal level, Washington’s 4th Congressional District will be open, as longtime U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse is not seeking reelection, creating an opportunity for new representation in Central Washington. Washington’s 5th Congressional District is also up for election, although incumbent Michael Baumgartner is running for re-election, five others have also filed for the role.  

The Legislature is also seeing change. In Legislative District 13, the state Senate seat currently held by Judy Warnick will be open, marking the end of her tenure after decades of public service. Several House seats across Adams County will also appear on the ballot. At the county level, voters will decide races for assessor, auditor, clerk, prosecutor, sheriff and treasurer. One county commission seat will be on the ballot, along with a mix of judicial positions.  

While many incumbents are eligible to run again, elections officials note that filing week often brings first-time candidates. 

Candidates who file online must complete their submissions by 5 p.m. Friday. Filing fees are due at the time of submission and are non‑refundable.  

Once a candidate files, they receive an email outlining next step, including reminders to register with the Public Disclosure Commission if their race requires campaign finance reporting. 

The county will conduct its lot drawing at 5 p.m. Friday to determine ballot order. Candidates have until 4:30 p.m. Monday, May 11, to withdraw from the ballot. Candidate statements and photos for the voters’ pamphlet are due by 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, with no exceptions. 

Laird said the county website includes the full press release, important dates and the complete list of open offices for anyone seeking more information. 

Ballots for the Aug. 4 primary election will be mailed roughly 20 days before Election Day.