Fain V. Chapman

These consolidated cases arise from the passage of Laws of 1977, 1st Ex. Sess., ch. 311, creating ten new superior court judgeships, nine of which are to become effective on November 1, 1977, and one effective January 1, 1978. On July 20, 1977, the respondent Secretary of State, as chief election officer of the state of Washington, directed his office and appropriate county election officials to accept filings during the week of July 25-29, 1977, for the positions to be created as of November 1. It was respondent's intention to hold primary elections with regard to each of these positions on September 20, 1977, and to hold those general elections which might be required at the regularly scheduled general election on November 8, 1977.