Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 35.02.078 — Elections — Question of incorporation — Nomination and election of officers., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 35.02.078. Elections — Question of incorporation — Nomination and election of officers.
An election shall be held in the area proposed to be incorporated to determine whether the proposed city or town shall be incorporated when the boundary review board takes action on the proposal other than disapproving the proposal, or if the county legislative authority does not disapprove the proposal as provided in RCW
35.02.070. Voters at this election shall determine if the area is to be incorporated.
The initial election on the question of incorporation shall be held at the next special election date specified in RCW
29A.04.330 that occurs sixty or more days after the final public hearing by the county legislative authority or authorities, or action by the boundary review board or boards. The county legislative authority or authorities shall call for this election and, if the incorporation is approved, shall call for other elections to elect the elected officials as provided in this section. If the vote in favor of the incorporation receives forty percent or less of the total vote on the question of incorporation, no new election on the question of incorporation for the area or any portion of the area proposed to be incorporated may be held for a period of three years from the date of the election in which the incorporation failed.
If the incorporation is authorized as provided by RCW
35.02.120, separate elections shall be held to nominate and elect persons to fill the various elective offices prescribed by law for the population and type of city or town, and to which it will belong. The primary election to nominate candidates for these elective positions shall be held at the next special election date, as specified in RCW
29A.04.330, that occurs sixty or more days after the election on the question of incorporation. The election to fill these elective positions shall be held at the next special election date, as specified in RCW
29A.04.330, that occurs thirty or more days after certification of the results of the primary election.
Notes
Effective date—1994 c 216: See note following RCW
35.02.015.
Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 35.02.078
What does Revised Code of Washington § 35.02.078 cover?
Section 35.02.078 ("Elections — Question of incorporation — Nomination and election of officers.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Washington § 35.02.078?
A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 35.02.078" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Washington law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.
How does Washington § 35.02.078 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
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