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Washington's Primaries

Partisan Primary Types​

Democratic PartyRepublican Party
Presidential PrimariesState PrimariesPresidential PrimariesState Primaries
partially-closed top-two partially-closed top-two

Presidential and State Primaries Scheduling​

Consolidated Primaries: no

Washington is one of the states that have not merged their presidential and state primaries. On a Presidential Election year, presidential primary and State primary are scheduled to run on different days

Washington has nonpartisan registration. There is no option to affiliate with a political party on the voter registration form. Washington uses a nonpartisan, Top Two primary system for the State and Congressional Primaries. There is no party affiliation in Washington state. All registered voters receive the same ballot regardless of party affiliation. The the two candidates with the most votes move on to the general election.

However, for the Presidential Primary only, the major political parties require voters to mark and sign the party declaration. If you choose to participate, your choice of party will not affect how you may vote in future elections. You must mark and sign the political party declaration (box) on your envelope for your vote to count per RCW 29A.56.050.

Delegates and Presidential Primaries​

The presidential primary process involves selecting delegates who will represent the state at the party's national convention. Delegates selected from the primary elections attend the party's national convention, where they officially nominate the presidential candidate. The candidate with the majority of delegates becomes the party's nominee for the presidential election. Candidates Ballot access rules vary depending on the candidate’s political party.

Democratic PartyRepublican Party
Total Del. VotesPled.Unpled.Altern.Total Del. VotesPled.Unpled.Altern.
111 92 19 8 43 43 40

Democratic Party Primary Delegates Process​

Democratic Party's Delegates Allocation​

The party will use a proportional representation system based on the results of the Presidential Primary Election for apportioning pledged delegates to the Democratic National Convention.

Presidential Candidates Ballot Access​

  • A presidential candidate gains access to the State presidential preference primary ballot if:
  • The candidate has filed the appropriate registration information with the federal election commission (FEC) to become a candidate for president of the United States; and
  • Please check with the State Democratic party for further requirements.

Delegates Breakdown​

  • District-level Delegates: 60
  • At-large Delegates: 20
  • Pledged PLEOs Delegates: 12
  • Automatic Delegates - Unpledged PLEOs: 19
  • Alternate Delegates: 8

Automatic Delegates (Unpledged PLEOs - Super Delegates) Breakdown​

  • DNC Members: 8
  • Dem. Members of Congress: 10
  • Dem. Gorvernors: 1
  • Distinguished Party Leaders: 0

Republican Party Primary Delegates Process​

Republican Party's Delegates Allocation​

All 43 of Washington's delegates to the Republican National Convention are allocated to presidential contenders based on the results of the voting in Presidential Primary.

Presidential Candidates Ballot Access​

  • A presidential candidate gains access to the State presidential preference primary ballot if:
  • The candidate has filed the appropriate registration information with the federal election commission (FEC) to become a candidate for president of the United States; and
  • Please check with the State Republican party for additional requirements.

Delegates Breakdown​

  • District-level Delegates: 30
  • At-large Delegates: 10
  • RNC Delegates: 3
  • Alternate Delegates: 40

NOTES​

This page contains primary election rules and Presidential Primary delegates allocation information on elections occurring across the country

Primary voting rules and delegate allocation apply to statewide partisan primary elections in most cases. However, check with your Town Clerk for primary voting guide as they may vary by town and political party.Please be advised that the information provided on this site is updated regularly but is subject to scheduling changes at the local level.

The information provided on the page was validated using the following resourses: