2023 KCYD Candidate Endorsement Process

To candidates seeking election this year:

Thank you for running. We know that running for office is a huge burden and we appreciate and honor you for taking it on. Running for office is no small sacrifice; thank you for stepping up to the task this year. 

The King County Young Democrats will be hosting its endorsements process online to ensure that all interested members will be able to attend. Our formal vote on endorsements will be a members-only Zoom Meeting from 6:00pm – 9:00pm on Wednesday, May 24th and Thursday, May 25th (depending on the amount of submissions for endorsement).

To be eligible for our endorsement slate, please complete the questionnaire linked below no later than Friday, May 20th at 11:59pm:

https://forms.gle/RRZxon1Km73VujvV8

If you have any questions please contact us at the information below!

Maliq Phakdymanivong
KCYD Chair
maliq.phakdymanivong@kcyd.org
 Kamil Zaidi
KCYD Vice-Chair
kamil.zaidi@kcyd.org

Frequently Asked Questions

When do the King County Young Democrats have their endorsements meeting?

The King County Young Democrats typically host our endorsement meetings in late May.

What races can be considered for endorsement?

Per our by-laws:

“Only candidates and ballot measures with jurisdiction wholly within the State of Washington, and wholly or partially within King County, shall be eligible for endorsement.”

Who can vote on endorsements?

Only current members of King County Young Democrats can make motions to endorse from the floor. Members must reside in King County, be under the age of 36 and pay the membership dues of $20. If you have campaign staff or supporters whom are under 36, live in King County and are interested in joining, they can do so here.

If I am running for office, live in King County and am under 36 can I become a member and participate in the endorsements process?

Yes, we do not ban anyone from being a member just because they are running for office or already hold office. As a member you would be able to nominate yourself, speak on behalf of yourself, and vote for yourself as well.

Can anyone attend the nomination and voting portion of the endorsement meeting?

No, only current members of the King County Young Democrats can attend the voting part of the meeting.

How will I know if you will consider the race I am running in for endorsement?

We try to include as many races as possible to endorse in, however in such a large county with so many races and candidates it is impossible for us to know everything about every race. The best way is to reach out to us to let us know you are interested, and come meet us and speak to us about your race and your plan.

The next-best way is to find someone who is already a member or plans to become one who can nominate you from the floor, and speak on your behalf for why you should be endorsed. This won’t guarantee an endorsement, but it is always better to have a presence at our meetings.

How will I know if I am endorsed?

After the endorsement meeting/meetings, we will reach out to endorsed candidates via email with the information provided in the questionnaire to notify them. We’ll also publish a list of our endorsed candidates and ballot measures on our website.

What happens if you didn’t endorse in my race or if someone you did endorse doesn’t make it through the primary?

If the membership motions and votes to table an endorsement until after the primary; or if membership doesn’t endorse in a specific race for whatever reason; or if someone is endorsed and doesn’t make it through the primary, we hold a second endorsement meeting in September to address races that fall under any of these criteria. However, if we endorse a candidate and they make it through the primary, no consideration will be made for that race in September.