Pivotal election season is ahead

In just six days, the filing period for people who want to run for elected office will open. In-person filing begins at 8 a.m. on Monday, and continues through 5 p.m. on Friday at the Clark County Elections Office in Vancouver.

Many candidates have already announced their intention to run for office. But filing week will reveal what are likely to be people who have made that late-breaking decision to step into the county, state and federal government elected office spotlight.

While there are no positions that will be on the ballot this time around for the local city councils or school boards, open offices for the November General Election will include the Third Congressional District, 18th and 14th Legislative Districts, Clark County Sheriff and Clark County Commissioner District 3.

With this in mind, this election season has the potential to lead to some significant changes in government — particularly at the county level.

Clark County Sheriff Garry Lucas, who has been at the helm for 24 years, announced in April that he would not run for re-election. Meanwhile, former Clark County Commission District 3 Commissioner Steve Stuart resigned in April, leaving his pivotal seat open for the voters to decide. Also expected to be on the table in November will be a home rule charter, which is currently being crafted by an elected board of freeholders. If approved by voters, it would have a major impact on how Clark County government operates.

Many eyes will be watching next week, to see who officially steps forward to potentially fill some of these important roles in our county, state and federal governments.