How Washington's Primary Election Works

Washington uses a nonpartisan Top Two primary system. All candidates for a given office appear on the same primary ballot regardless of party affiliation, and voters may vote for any candidate. The two candidates who receive the most votes, regardless of party, advance to the November general election. Candidates may state a party preference on the ballot, but they are not nominated by that party through the primary. Candidates must also receive at least 1% of the vote to qualify for the general election.

Washington does not hold primary runoff elections. Instead, the Top Two candidates advance directly to the general election, even if they are members of the same political party.