Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 35A.12.040 (2026)

Elections—Terms of elective officers—Numbering of council positions

✓ current as of May 2026

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Officers shall be elected at biennial municipal elections to be conducted as provided in chapter 35A.29 RCW. The mayor and the councilmembers shall be elected for four-year terms of office and until their successors are elected and qualified and assume office in accordance with RCW 29A.60.280. At any first election upon reorganization, councilmembers shall be elected as provided in RCW 35A.02.050. Thereafter the requisite number of councilmembers shall be elected biennially as the terms of their predecessors expire and shall serve for terms of four years. The positions to be filled on the city council shall be designated by consecutive numbers and shall be dealt with as separate offices for all election purposes. Election to positions on the council shall be by majority vote from the city at large, unless provision is made by charter or ordinance for election by wards. The mayor and councilmembers shall qualify by taking an oath or affirmation of office and as may be provided by law, charter, or ordinance.

[ 2015 c 53 s 52; 1994 c 223 s 31; 1979 ex.s. c 18 s 21; 1970 ex.s. c 52 s 3; 1967 ex.s. c 119 s 35A.12.040.]

Notes:

Severability—1979 ex.s. c 18: See note following RCW 35A.01.070.

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 2 cases, 1974–1989 · leading case: Lawrence v. City of Issaquah, 524 P.2d 1347 (Wash. 1974).

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Lawrence v. City of Issaquah, 524 P.2d 1347 (Wash. 1974). · cites it 2× “Under the provisions of RCW 35A.12.040, the city council of a nonchartered code city "shall be the judge of the qualifications of its members and determine contested elections of city officers.”

State v. Haguewood, 782 P.2d 213 (Wash. Ct. App. 1989). “RCW 35A.12.040. The mayor presides over council meetings "but shall have a vote only in the case of a tie in the votes of the councilmen with respect to matters other than the passage of any ordinance, grant, or revocation of franchise or license, or any resolution for the…”

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