7 candidates get nod for Washington primary ballot

OLYMPIA - The five remaining Republican and two Democratic candidates for president got the green light to be on Washington’s May 24 primary. Others could join them if they can get enough signatures.

Secretary of State Kim Wyman set the initial list for the presidential primary ballot Wednesday. It includes Republicans Ben Carson, Ted Cruz, John Kasich, Marco Rubio and Donald Trump, as well as Democrats Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. Other candidates from either of the two major parties could be added if supporters submit signatures from at least 1,000 Washington voters of that party by March 10.

Any of the seven initial candidates who drop out before March 18 will be removed from the ballot. After that, the ballots go to the printers and anyone who quits later might still get some votes in Washington.