WA SB5225

Filing a declaration of candidacy using a surname similar to another candidate with a widely known political reputation, with intent to confuse voters, constitutes a class B felony—regardless of whether the fraudulent filing occurs before or after the established candidate files

Filing officers must list candidates with confusingly similar names in consecutive order on the ballot and add distinguishing information such as occupation or incumbent/challenger status

Filing officers may solicit input from affected candidates to help resolve situations involving similar names

Amends RCW 29A.84.320 (election fraud penalties) and adds a new section to RCW 29A.36 (ballot preparation)