Normally during a local election year we urge more people to file for office in Island County. This year is different. File if you want, but we already have plenty of candidates.

Two of the three county commissioners, both Democrats, are up for election for a second term. Helen Price Johnson from District 1 and Angie Homola in District 3 took over what had long been Republican-held seats. The election was in 2008, on the cusp of the Great Recession, and voters were in the mood for change. Now, challengers are hoping voters are in the mood for another change.

Even before this week’s filing period began, Price Johnson knew she would be facing Republican Jeff Lauderdale, Republican Wayne Morrison and independent candidate Curt Gordon.

Homola knew she would have to take on Republican Jill Johnson, Republican Jim Campbell and independent candidate Phil Collier.

Unlike in the past, incumbents cannot rest easy during the primary election watching members of the other party knock each other off. The state’s new top two primary disregards party labels. The top two vote-getters in this year’s Aug. 7 primary will advance to the November election, regardless of party. It’s conceivable that the incumbent Democrats could be eliminated in August even though they have no Democratic primary opponents.

That is part of the reason this year’s campaigns started so early. Price Johnson, for example, filed with the Public Disclosure Commission last fall so she could start raising money, giving her a war chest of more than $50,000 before the filing period starts. Lauderdale announced very early and was campaigning at the 2011 Island County Fair. He’s raised nearly $20,000.

The fact is, the top two primary has totally rearranged the political process, making candidates start running earlier and making those wearing the crown rest uneasily. Surviving the primary is as challenging as winning the general election.

On the state level, veteran 10th District Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, is facing a stiff challenge from 10th District Rep. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor. Bailey, the darling of conservatives, may benefit from redistricting and the continuing anti-incumbent fever. Both House positions will also see competition.

The filing period for office ends Friday. Visit the Island County Auditor’s website for details. We may have sufficient candidates already, but as the saying goes in politics, the more the merrier.