A special filing period for candidates for three new council positions will be held Dec.12 to 14.

The three positions are: Council Residency District 1 (San Juan Island and surrounding smaller islands); Council Residency District 2 (Orcas Island, Waldron Island, Blakely Island, and surrounding smaller islands); and Council Residency District 3 (Lopez Island, Shaw Island, Decatur Island, and surrounding smaller islands).

Positions for which more than two candidates file will be narrowed to two candidates in a county-wide “primary” election held Feb. 12.

The winners of that election, plus the candidates for any positions for which two or fewer candidates file, will be elected in a county-wide “general” election held April 23.

The unusual, off-cycle elections are called for by San Juan County Proposition 1, adopted by voters in the November election. The amendments contained within the proposition reduce the number of county council members from six to three.  The three council members elected in November will take their seats in January along with the three continuing members, but will serve only brief terms.  Their terms will end in May when three new council members, elected in April, take office.

The terms of the council members elected in April will also be shorter than usual. Council members from Residency Districts 1 and 2 will serve through December 2016.  In order to achieve staggered terms, the council member from Residency District 3 will serve only through December 2014.

To file for any of the three new Council positions, candidates must be registered voters and must live within the Council residency district for which they file.  Candidates may submit their filing paperwork by mail, fax, email, or in person at the San Juan County Elections Office, located at 55 Second Street, Friday Harbor.  Mailed forms may be received no earlier than Nov. 28 and no later than Dec. 14. Faxed, emailed, or in-person forms must be received on Dec. 12, 13, or 14.  Filing forms and fees must reach the Elections Office by 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 14.

Filing forms are not considered complete until the $749.30 filing fee is received.

For information about the upcoming elections and filing period, please contact the San Juan County Elections Office. Filing forms can be obtained on the elections webpage at www.sanjuanco.com/elections or by contacting the Elections staff at 378-3357.