The bulk of candidates who filed for office this week did so without stepping foot into the county’s election office.
“I would say 90 percent of people who filed have done so online,” said Cathie Garber, the elections supervisor for Clark County.
Friday marked the end of candidate filing week, and the turnout, Garber said, was positive.
“There are no positions that are unfilled at this point, so that’s good,” she said.
Many of those who filed last week announced their intention to run early, and there were no major surprises. All legislative candidates will have challengers, and three candidates — incumbent U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Camas, Republican challenger Michael Delavar, a former Washougal city councilman and Democrat Bob Dingethal — are vying for the 3rd Congressional district seat.
Republican businesswoman Lauren Colas filed Friday afternoon and will challenge long-time incumbent Doug Lasher, a Democrat, for the county treasurer seat.
A Clark Public Utility race also drew another challenger on Friday afternoon. Michael Piper, of Vancouver, joined a handful of candidates running for the District 3 spot. Incumbent Byron Hanke, who filed on Monday, will face challengers Jane Van Dyke, a former utility commissioner, and Bill Hughes, who also filed Friday.
Darren Wertz filed on Friday afternoon and will challenge incumbent Peter Van Nortwick for the spot of county assessor.
Scott Dalesandro, who did not state a party preference, threw his name in the ring for the spot of 49th legislative district, position 1, on Friday. Incumbent Sharon Wylie, D-Vancouver, filed earlier in the week, along with Republican challenger Anson Service, for the same seat.
And Michael Savoca, who also didn’t state a party preference, also filed Friday afternoon, hoping to represent the people of the 20th legislative district, position 1. Incumbent Richard DeBolt, a Republican, filed for the office earlier in the week as well. Josie Townsend, a Republican, is seeking the spot of county prosecuting attorney, against the incumbent Tony Golik.
Statewide, there are 10 U.S. House races; the entire state House and half of the state Senate seats are up for election.
Within Clark County, there are 32 open seats plus another 247 precinct committee officer openings for both the Republican and Democrat parties.
The primary is Aug. 5, and the general election is Nov. 4.
Candidates who would like to have a 100-word statement featured in the voters’ pamphlet can hand that in to the county election’s office until 5 p.m. Friday, May 23.
“It’s free of charge for them and a great way to get their information out to a large group of people,” Garber said.
Any candidates with cold feet have until 5 p.m. Monday to withdraw their candidacy.
