Public Records Request
The Public Records Act (PRA) requires us to make identifiable public records available for inspection and provide records upon request. The Washington Secretary of State has adopted rules, Chapter 434-12A WAC, to implement the requirements of the statute.
To speed up your request
Many of the public records requests we receive are for other agencies. The Secretary of State does not hold all records for all agencies. Each state and local agency has a public records officer to serve as a point of contact for requesting public records. A simple online search may get you to the right agency, and speed up your request.
How to get the records you want
The Public Records Act (PRA) specifically states a request must be for an identifiable record that an agency employee could reasonably identify based on the description of the request. A request for all or substantially all records retained by an agency is not a valid request for identifiable records.
Describing the types of records sought, the subject matter, the names of individuals or locations, when the records may have been created, or any other relevant time period will help us locate the records. If a request is too vague, we may request clarification, which can cause delays.
A public record is any state or local record relating to the conduct of government or the performance of a governmental function. Recorded information includes:
- Paper records
- Electronic Records
- Emails
- Pictures
- Recordings, etc.
Records that are not disclosed
The Public Records Act contains a list of records that do not have to be shared with the public. There are also additional exemptions and disclosure restrictions in other state and federal statutes. If we withhold records or black out portions (redact), we will include a description of the record withheld, the relied upon exemption, and an explanation of how the exemption applies.
The Secretary of State's Online Public Records Request Portal allows you to make a request, keep in touch with staff, and receive your documents through one, convenient site.
Other ways to make a request:
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Email:
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Email: [email protected]
NOTE: Please be specific about the record(s) you are requesting (title of record, type of record, date range).
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Mail:
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Public Records Officer
Washington Secretary of State
PO Box 40224
Olympia WA 98504-0224
NOTE: Please be specific about the records you are requesting (title of record, type of record, date range).
- Phone or Fax
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Phone: (360) 704-5220
Fax: (360) 704-7834
Public Records Index
We maintain a records index required by RCW 42.56.070(5) that is available upon request. For other records, state agency records retention schedules provide a master list of the types of records we create and receive, their retention period, and disposition. For more information, view the Washington State General Records Retention Schedule.
In addition, many public records are available on our website and can be accessed by selecting a link below:
- Elections – search for voter registration, ballots delivered and returned, candidates, initiatives and referenda, election results (county and statewide), county elections offices, and elections-related data and research.
- Corporations and Charities – search for a business, corporation, charity, or non-profit agency.
- Archives – search for documents preserved for research or historical purposes.
Fees
The Secretary of State's reserves the right to charge for records in accordance with WAC 434-12A-100.
Contact Information
Public Records Office
PO Box 40224
Olympia, WA 98504-0224
Phone: (360) 704-5220
Fax: (360) 704-7834
Email: [email protected]