Once Washington has a governor, state law spells out how the result can be contested:
1. Any registered voter can challenge the outcome. It does not have to be the losing candidate or the candidate’s political party.
2. The time to file a challenge begins after final results are certified. In the race for governor, that is scheduled to happen Dec. 30.
3. The deadline to contest an election is 10 days after the winner receives the certificate of election. The Legislature issues those certificates, typically on the opening day of the new session. This year it’s Jan. 10, which makes Jan. 20 the last day for a challenge.
4. Challenges must demonstrate that error, neglect or wrongful acts affected enough votes to change the outcome.
State law cites a number of possible causes that can be cited as wrongdoing, such as the casting of illegal votes or misconduct by those involved in running the election.
What is not clear is whether the challenge would be heard by a judge or the Legislature.
“We don’t know what happens, because it has never happened before,” said John Pearson, the state’s deputy director of elections.
5. In the event of a tie, state lawmakers will vote to pick the governor.
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