The Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) published an article by about elections in their blog on Oct. 3, 2022.
Historically, elections are settled affairs, but sometimes unexpected and unusual situations can arise during the election process. This blog reviews several scenarios that might arise during and after elections.
Scenarios described in the article include:
- What if the winner of the primary election withdraws or dies prior to the general election?
- What if voters write in the name of a real or imaginary person and that person receives the most votes?
- What if, after the primary election, a candidate moves from the jurisdiction and is no longer qualified for the office?
- What if there is a tie in the votes?
- Who can challenge the results and how?
- When does an elected candidate assume office, and what happens if they are later found to be unqualified for office?
- What if issues arise after the old officials’ terms expire but before the new officials are sworn in?
Read the full article at this link.
About MRSC
The Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) is a nonprofit organization that helps local governments across Washington State better serve their communities by providing legal and policy guidance on any topic. At MRSC, we believe the most effective local government is a well-informed one, and as cities, counties, and special purpose districts face rapid changes and significant challenges, we are here to help.
[Ed. Note: We first encountered MRSC while serving on the Planning Commission in Oak Harbor. All of the members of the commission, as well as elected officials and the volunteers on various committees and commissions through out the state receive MRSC’s newsletters. We will share selected articles from MRSC’s newsletters that serve the interests of our readers.]
