After the election results have been certified, any person elected to an office in the State of Washington, including positions within counties, cities, towns, and special districts, is required by statute to take an oath or affirmation of office prior to serving.? The term for an elected official typically begins on January 1 or whenever the individual takes the oath of office, whichever is later. ?When an individual is elected to office, they swear or affirm that they will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of the office to the best of their ability.? Many jurisdictions administer the oath at a formal meeting of the governing body, although this is not a requirement.? For most local elected officials, the oath or affirmation must be filed with the county auditor; this is not typically a requirement for special purpose districts.

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A person elected to local office, except for school district positions, must take the oath as a last step of qualification for the office during the following periods:

1. up to 10 days before the scheduled date of assuming office; or
2. at the last regular meeting of the governing body of the county, city, town, or special purpose district held before the winner is to assume office.

The period during which a person elected to local office may take the oath of office, when not taking the oath at the last regular meeting of the governing body, is modified to authorize the oath to be taken between the date of certification of the election and the day before the term of office begins.