Candidate filing week opens Monday, June 7 and offers a wide range of Island County elected positions, as well as a number of legislative and judicial seats, for potential candidates to strive for.

For the first time this year, the Island County Auditor’s Office is allowing candidates to file online and pay filing fees by credit or debit cards electronically.

“Online candidate filing is open 24 hours a day, starting Monday at 9 a.m. and ending Friday at 4 p.m.,” Deputy Auditor Michele Reagan said. “It’s the first time we’re doing this. It’s very exciting for us.”

To file online, go to www.islandcounty.net, select “elections” in the green pull-down menu bar at the top left, and follow the prompts for online filing. The auditor suggests that candidates retain copies of their online filing on their computers.

Candidates can also file Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the elections office at 400 N. Main Street in Coupeville. Candidates can file in person at the office or there’ll be a computer available for people to file online. Or candidates can file by mail.

The county positions subject to election this year are the assessor, auditor, clerk, District 3 commissioner, coroner, prosecutor, sheriff, treasurer and district court judge, who also doubles as the Oak Harbor municipal court judge.

According to documents filed at the state Public Disclosure Commission, all of the incumbent county officials are seeking reelection except Treasurer Linda Riffe. She said she won’t run again, but Chief Deputy Treasurer Ana Maria Nunez announced she’ll run for treasurer as a Democrat.

Island County Commissioner John Dean, a Democrat, will have at least one challenger. Kelly Emerson, a Camano Island resident, announced she will run as a Republican.

Assessor Dave Mattens, a Democrat, has a challenger from within his office. Mary Engle, a residential appraiser, said she’ll run against him as a Republican. Likewise, Clerk Patricia Terry, a Democrat appointed to the position, is facing a challenge from Debra Van Pelt, a deputy clerk and a fellow Democrat.

Long-time Island County Coroner Robert Bishop, a Republican, is running for reelection. Paul Thompson, a South Whidbey retired doctor, announced he will run for coroner as a Democrat.

Auditor Sheilah Crider, Prosecutor Greg Banks, Sheriff Mark Brown and District Court Judge Peter Strow have all filed paperwork indicating they will run again, but no challengers have announced themselves.

In addition to the county positions, there are several legislative and judicial seats open this year, but they require candidates to file with the state election’s office. The website address is www.sos.wa.gov/elections.

Two state representative positions for legislative District 10, which includes Island County, will be on the ballot. They are the positions currently held by Rep. Barbara Bailey (R-Oak Harbor) and Norma Smith (R-Clinton). So far, both women have indicated they are seeking reelection, but no challengers have emerged.

U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Lake Stevens) is seeking reelection and already has a challenge from Republican Snohomish County Councilman John Koster.

Three seats on the state Supreme Court will also be on the ballot.

The primary election will be Aug. 17. The top two vote-getters, regardless of party, will advance to the general election in November.