The bill introduces a new section to chapter 29A.36 RCW concerning the procedures for handling deceased candidates for nonpartisan offices in Washington. It stipulates that if a county auditor receives a death certification for a candidate, specific actions must be taken depending on whether a primary election has been conducted. If a primary has occurred and general election ballots have not yet been ordered, the candidate with the third highest votes in the primary will replace the deceased candidate on the general election ballot. Conversely, if general election ballots have already been ordered, any votes cast for the deceased candidate will not be counted.

In cases where no primary is held, if general election ballots have not been ordered, the deceased candidate's name will be omitted from the ballot. If ballots have been ordered, votes for the deceased candidate will similarly be disregarded. Additionally, if the deceased candidate was the only one to file for the office, a void in candidacy is declared. This legislation aims to clarify the process and ensure that elections can proceed smoothly in the unfortunate event of a candidate's death.