WA People
BILL · 2025–26 SESSION · LATEST VERSION SSB 5225

SB 5225: Candidates w/ similar names

Providing clarity where candidates for the same office have similar names.

Summary

  • Changes the schedule for when filing fees are paid for candidates of the Washington State Legislature, statewide offices, and U.S. Congress.
  • Requires signature petitions for candidates of the Washington State Legislature, statewide offices, and U.S. Congress.
  • Authorizes filing officers to list in consecutive order candidates for the same office with names so similar as to be confusing to voters and to include additional distinguishing information.
  • Provides it is unlawful to file a declaration of candidacy, with the intent to confuse and mislead voters, using a surname similar to a well-known candidate for the same office regardless of whether the declaration of candidacy is filed before or after the well-known person.

From the Senate Bill Report (SB 5225), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · stalled on the Senate floor
  1. IntroducedJan 13, 2025
  2. Out of committeeFeb 13, 2025
  3. Passed Senatestopped here
  4. Passed House
  5. Governor
  6. Law
Prime sponsor
Drew MacEwen (R-35)
Introduced
January 13, 2025 in the Senate
Last action
January 12, 2026
Budget
Has a fiscal note
Versions
SB 5225, SSB 5225

AN ACT Relating to providing clarity where candidates for the same office have similar names;

Sponsors

Prime sponsor: Drew MacEwen (R-35)

4 co-sponsors (4 Democrats, 0 Republicans)

Marko Liias D-21T'wina Nobles D-28Marcus Riccelli D-3Sharon Shewmake D-42

Votes

No recorded floor votes.

History

  1. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status. (SSB 5225)
  2. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
  3. Senate Rules "X" file. (SSB 5225)
  4. Senate Rules "X" file.
  5. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. (SSB 5225)
  6. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
  7. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. (SSB 5225)
  8. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
  9. SGTE - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (SSB 5225)
  10. Minority; do not pass. (SSB 5225)
  11. Minority; without recommendation. (SSB 5225)
  12. Minority; without recommendation.
  13. Minority; do not pass.
  14. SGTE - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
  15. First reading, referred to State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections.
  16. Prefiled for introduction.

SB 5225 in other sessions

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

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