Why won’t the Legislature authorize an earlier Primary for Washington State?
Secretary of State Sam Reed and the County Auditors Association submitted request legislation to the Legislature requesting a June Primary. The Legislature responded by moving Washington’s primary from September to the third Thursday in August. Legislators have been reluctant to move it earlier in the year. Some legislators say a late primary condenses the election cycle for voters who do not want elections lasting all year. An earlier primary also disadvantages legislative incumbents, since they are prohibited by law from accepting contributions during a legislative session.
