For the Reporter
Secretary of State Kim Wyman has released the final candidate list for Washington’s Presidential Primary, including four Republicans and two Democrats.
Friday was the deadline for the secretary to make the declaration, confined by state law to those “generally advocated or whose candidacy is generally recognized in the national news media.” Since a preliminary list was released Feb. 24, Republicans Marco Rubio and Ben Carson have halted their campaigns. Under the state Presidential Primary law, only the candidates may remove themselves from the May 24 primary. Rubio signed such a withdrawal on Friday, but Carson did not respond to numerous contacts from the State Elections Division.
That leaves Washington’s ballot with Republicans Ben Carson, Ted Cruz, John Kasich, and Donald Trump. Democrats are Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. No other candidate qualified for the ballot by collecting 1,000 Washington voter signatures.
The Presidential Primary voting period ends May 24. Ballots must go out to military and overseas voters by April 9, and regular ballots and Voters’ Pamphlets will be sent the first week in May.
“We urge Washington voters to take part in our Presidential Primary this year,” Wyman said. “This is the first time in eight years we’ve had a Presidential Primary and the first time there has been a wide-open race for the White House, with no incumbent running.
“This is our opportunity to be heard. I hope candidates will spend some quality time in Washington. I know both Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton will be here ahead of the March 26 Democratic caucuses, and I hope we will see candidates here before our Primary. On the Republican side, the race for national delegates should still be in play at that time.”
April 25 is the last day to register by mail or online, or to update one’s address or name ahead of the Presidential Primary. Those not currently registered in Washington may register in person at the county elections offices until May 16.
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