WA HB2460

Removes the requirement that a successor to a partisan county office or legislative office vacancy be from the same party as the incumbent, but adds a new condition: same-party appointment is required only if the incumbent declared a political party preference when elected

Allows elected successors to begin serving once qualified (per RCW 29A.04.133) for vacancies occurring after a general election but before the new term starts, continuing through the full elected term

Applies to vacancies in state executive and legislative branch partisan offices, as well as partisan county elective offices

Takes effect January 1, 2027, contingent on voter approval of a related constitutional amendment (HJR H-2541) at the November 2026 general election

Amends RCW 36.16.110 (county office vacancies) and RCW 42.12.040 (partisan elective office vacancies)