PDFWAC 390-18-040
Use of the terms "reelect," "retain," and "return."
(1) The term "reelect" when used in an advertisement represents that the candidate is presently holding the office being sought, was elected to it, and is seeking another term in that same office in the same district or political subdivision.
(2) The term "reelect" may be used in an advertisement by a nonincumbent candidate who has previously been elected to the office being sought provided that in the same advertisement it is clearly stated that the candidate is not the incumbent.
(3) The term "retain" in an advertisement represents that the candidate is the incumbent but does not necessarily imply that the candidate attained the office by election.
(4) The term "return" in an advertisement represents that the candidate now holds, or has previously held, the office being sought, but does not represent that the office was necessarily attained by election.
(5) Whenever the boundaries of a district or political subdivision are officially altered through redistricting, consolidation or other official procedures, the candidate holding an office in the affected district or political subdivision may, in an advertisement, use the term "reelect," "retain" or "return," as appropriate, if the candidate is seeking the same office in the revised district or political subdivision.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-18-040, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 16-22-046, § 390-18-040, filed 10/28/16, effective 11/28/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.562. WSR 06-11-132, § 390-18-040, filed 5/23/06, effective 6/23/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 02-03-018, § 390-18-040, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/4/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 92-12-037, § 390-18-040, filed 5/29/92, effective 6/29/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 88-14-064 (Order 88-02), § 390-18-040, filed 7/1/88; WSR 86-12-059 (Order 86-03), § 390-18-040, filed 6/3/86.]