The political season heats up this week, as candidates file for local, state and federal offices.
By week’s end, we should know who will appear on the Aug. 7 primary election ballot. The general election is Nov. 6.
In 2012, we’re in store for some marquee contests, including the one for the newly drawn, wide-open 1st Congressional District, stretching from Seattle’s Eastside suburbs to Bellingham, via eastern Snohomish County. There’s also a contest to fill a one-month vacancy for the seat held by ex-U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash., who resigned to run for governor this year against Republican state Attorney General Rob McKenna.
Two other congressional seats covering parts of Snohomish County are up for re-election as well.
Oh, and in case you haven’t noticed, there’s a presidential race under way, too.
“Most of the offices this year are state and federal,” county elections manager Garth Fell said. “We also have precinct committee officers on the ballot.”
Candidate filing begins today and runs through Friday.
In 2012, state Senate seats for the 1st, 10th and 39th Legislative Districts are up for election. So are all state-representative seats.
The one local office on the ballot is for three-term Public Utility District Commissioner Kathy Vaughn’s position. There are no term limits for that office, so Vaughn is eligible to run again.
Democrats and Republicans are electing precinct committee officers.
Candidates may file with the state Secretary of State’s Office for federal, statewide or state offices representing voters in multiple counties. They may file with their local county for county offices or for state offices representing voters entirely within the county.
For more information, including offices up for election, filing fees and qualifications for office, go to www.snoco.org/elections or call 425-388-3444.
Noah Haglund: 425-339-3465; nhaglund@heraldnet.com.
How to file for public office
The Snohomish County Auditor’s Office offers the option of filing online or in person.
File online at www.snoco.org starting at 9 a.m. today and any time thereafter, 24 hours a day, until 4 p.m. Friday.
A valid email address is required to file online.
File in person at the Auditor’s Office on the first floor of the county administration building west, 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett.
The office is open during normal business hours, starting at 9 a.m. Monday and ending at 5 p.m. Friday. Monday and Friday afternoons are expected to be the busiest times.
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