Washington § 29A.72.180 - Petitions — Review of refusal to file.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 29A.72.180 — Petitions — Review of refusal to file., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 29A.72.180. Petitions — Review of refusal to file.

If the secretary of state refuses to file an initiative or referendum petition when submitted for filing, the persons submitting it for filing may, within ten days after the refusal, apply to the superior court of Thurston county for an order requiring the secretary of state to bring the petitions before the court, and for a writ of mandate to compel the secretary of state to file it. The application takes precedence over other cases and matters and must be speedily heard and determined.
If the court issues the citation, and determines that the petition is legal in form and apparently contains the requisite number of signatures and was submitted for filing within the time prescribed in the Constitution, it shall issue its mandate requiring the secretary of state to file it as of the date of submission for filing.
The decision of the superior court granting a writ of mandate is final.
[ 2003 c 111 s 1819; 1965 c 9 s 29.79.160. Prior: 1913 c 138 s 13, part; RRS s 5409, part. Formerly RCW 29.79.160.]

Notes

Initiative, referendum, time for filing: State Constitution Art. 2 s 1 (a) and (d) (Amendment 7).

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 29A.72.180

What does Revised Code of Washington § 29A.72.180 cover?

Section 29A.72.180 ("Petitions — Review of refusal to file.") 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 § 29A.72.180?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 29A.72.180" (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.

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