The time is near for those considering running for office to make a decision.

Next week, Monday, May 14 through Friday, May 18, is filing week in Washington state. Candidates have until 4:30 p.m. Friday to submit their paperwork and make it official.

It’s a big election year for Island County with many county positions on the November ballot.

In addition, both state representatives for District 10, which Whidbey Island is in, are facing challengers.

Oak Harbor resident David Paul, a Democrat, announced he will run against Rep. Dave Hayes, R-Camano. Mount Vernon resident Scott McMullen, a Democrat, filed with the state Public Disclosure Commission to run against Norma Smith, R-Clinton.

Among the Island County positions on the ballot, only Sheriff Mark Brown said he won’t seek reelection. Two men from his department will be running against each other to replace Brown.

Rick Felici, currently the chief criminal deputy, will face Lane Campbell, a longtime deputy. Both men are running as Republicans.

Island County Commissioner Rick Hannold, a Republican, has a challenger. Janet St. Clair, a Democrat from Camano Island, said earlier this year that she will seek position 3, which covers North Whidbey and Camano Island.

Other positions that will appear on the ballot are prosecutor, coroner, treasurer, assessor, auditor, clerk and district court judge.

The officials currently holding those positions have said they will seek reelection. They are Prosecutor Greg Banks, a Democrat; Coroner Robert Bishop, a Republican; Treasurer Wanda Grone, a Republican; Assessor Mary Engle, a Republican; Auditor Sheilah Crider, a Republican; Clerk Debra Van Pelt, a Democrat; and District Court Judge Bill Hawkins.

U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Arlington, kicked off his reelection campaign this week. He will be at China City in Freeland at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 2.

Candidates may file for office electronically, through the U.S. mail or in person at the Island County Elections Office in Coupeville or at the Camano Annex on Camano Island.

The Island County Elections Office is open during candidate filing week from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

A computer is available for candidates to use when filing for office.

Staff members will be available to assist.

Congressional and legislative candidates will file with the state Secretary of State.