The real heat of the political season might seem far off, but candidates are already tossing their hats into the political ring.

The official filing period for the fall campaign season began Monday and wraps up Friday. The field of candidates will be pared down, if necessary, during an Aug. 6 primary and seats will be filled during the Nov. 5 general election.

Here’s a look at positions that will be decided throughout the Plateau. Included is the name of the current office-holder.

Enumclaw City Council

The city’s governing board has three posts coming vacant. To be decided this fall are Position 4 (Chance La Fleur), Position 6 (Anthony Wright) and the Position 2 seat that sits vacant. The empty council spot was occupied since January 2016 by Kim Lauk, but she resigned last month.

Filing is done through the King County Elections Office and carries a fee of $39.

Buckley City Council

The Buckley Council sees four of its seven seats up for election this year. On the ballot are: Position 4 (Beau Burkett), Position 5 (John Leggett), Position 6 (Milt Tremblay) and Position 7 (Sandy Burkett).

Filing will be handled through Pierce County Elections Office and there is a $30 fee.

Black Diamond City Council

A trio of seats will be decided. Up for grabs are Position 1 (Tamie Boxx-Deady), Position 3 (Janie Edelman) and Position 5 (Chris Wisonski).

The filing fee is $19.20 and filing is done through King County Elections.

Wilkeson Town Council

There is no filing fee for anyone seeking one of the three open spots on the council: Position 1 (Jennifer Kramer), Position 4 (Bill Summers) and Position 5 (Brad Bushnell).

South Prairie Town Council

Voters in the small community will decide three seats: Position 1 (Tony Caldwell), Position 2 (Timothy Trent) and Position 4 (Barbara Wigton). There is no filing fee with Pierce County Elections.

Enumclaw School Board

Three board positions will be on the fall ballot: Director District 1 (Nancy Merrill), District 3 (Tyson Gamblin) and District 4 (Tina McGann). Board members represent specific geographic areas within the school district. There is no filing fee.

White River School Board

There are two board seats to be decided: Director District 2 (Karen Bunker) and District 5 (Matt Sheer). There is no filing fee.

Carbonado School Board

Three seats are open on the board that governs the small, historical district: Position 3 (Thomas Morgan), Position 4 (Julie Sandin) and Position 5 (Sue McBride). There is no fee to file for these seats with Pierce County.

Enumclaw Fire Department

Three seats are to be decided: Position 2 (Angela Stubblefield), Position 3 (Paul Fisher) and Position 5 (Amy Trachte). The Position 3 race will be for an unexpired two-year term and the Position 5 race is for a short and full term.

East Pierce Fire and Rescue

A pair of six-year terms are up this time around: Position 1 (Kevin Garling) and Position 7 (Dale Mitchell). There is no filing fee.

INTERESTED IN RUNNING? HERE’S HOW TO FILE

In King County, candidates have three ways to file for office:

• Candidates may file online 24 hours a day.

• Or, candidates may file in person from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, Monday through Friday. Candidates who choose to file in person use designated computers at the King County Elections Department headquarters, 919 S.W. Grady Way in Renton.

• Or, candidates may file by mail, but time has nearly run out. Filings made by mail must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on May 17, regardless of postmark.

For more information visit www.kingcounty.gov/depts/elections or call 206-296-1565.

In Pierce County, here are the filing options.

• Online filing will be available until 4 p.m. Friday.

• In person filing can be handled between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. through Friday, using a computer kiosk at the Pierce County Election Center, 2501 S. 35th St., Suite C, in Tacoma.

Those seeking help with filing for office in Pierce County can call 253-798-8683. The department’s website is www.co.pierce.wa.us/328/Elections.

KING COUNTY EXPECTS BIG NUMBERS

King County Elections expects more than 700 candidates to run for office this year, setting a new record.

A historic number of people competed for local offices in 2017 and the department expects to see even more people file their candidacy this year.

“People are more engaged in their government and their community when they see candidates who represent them,” said Julie Wise, director of King County Elections. “This year we expect a record-breaking number of candidates to file for office, which is great news for our region and democracy.”

The department hosted a series of free workshops about running for office earlier this year. More than 100 people attended to learn about topics including how to file, filing fees and campaign sign regulations. Anyone who was unable to attend a workshop can watch online tutorials.