Washington law addresses same-name candidates

Washington’s rules address a ballot where candidates with identical or closely resembling names seek the same position. When the overlap is accidental, election officials can add identifying information, such as each candidate’s occupation. An incumbent and a challenger may also be labeled that way.

The law dates to 1943 and remains in effect after later revisions. It also allows felony charges and civil action when someone files under a similar name intending to mislead voters. In the governor’s race two years ago, a conservative activist recruited two people named Bob Ferguson to oppose Attorney General Bob Ferguson. The two recruits withdrew before the deadline, so neither appeared on the primary ballot.

The column also turns to polling as Tuesday approaches. Poll results describe responses collected at a particular moment; they do not determine what voters will do. Past examples cited include Alf Landon’s 1936 loss to Franklin Roosevelt, Thomas Dewey’s 1948 loss to Harry Truman and Hillary Clinton’s 2016 loss to Donald Trump. Combining multiple surveys can reduce the influence of one poll, but it can also combine their weaknesses. Election results still depend on what happens when voting takes place.