Montesano, WA – Filing week opens today throughout Grays Harbor and Pacific County.
Local voters can place their name on the ballot for a local elected office starting today and running through this week.
All Grays Harbor mayors, 44 city council positions, and over 100 other seats are open for new candidates, according to Grays Harbor County Auditor Joe MacLean.
Filing Week for the November General Election, and possibly the August Primary, will run through Friday, May 17 as eligible voters will be able to file to serve their community in public office.
In all, nearly 200 seats are open between Grays Harbor and Pacific County in various elections.
Since KXRO spoke to MacLean, an additional seat on the Wishkah School District Board of Directors was added, making the total number 128 for Grays Harbor, with 66 positions in Pacific County.
Residents will have the opportunity to file for Mayor in all 9 Grays Harbor cities, as well as in Long Beach for Pacific County.
City council seats in every Grays Harbor and Pacific County city also will be open.
Numerous other positions in area school, fire, hospital, water, and sewer districts are also open. Residents cannot file for multiple offices on the same election.
Filing fees are required for a number of offices, equaling 1% of the annual salaries.
The vast majority of offices are for full terms, while many positions are for unexpired or short and full terms. This includes the Port of Grays Harbor seats left open following the retirement of Chuck Caldwell and the passing of Jack Thompson.
The Grays Harbor County Auditor’s website has more information on what it takes to file for office, and what it means when you do; https://wei.sos.wa.gov/county/graysharbor/en/olf/Pages/OnlineCandidateFilingStart.aspx
Congratulations on your decision to run for public office!
The Association of Washington Cities, who represent and work for local cities, has prepared a booklet with information for those considering filing for office, going over the basic duties and obligations of elected officials.