This year, 192 positions are open for election in Pierce County. They include port, city, town, school, fire, park and recreation, water and sewer district offices. In addition, one Superior Court judge position is up for election. Candidate filing for the 2011 elections begins Mon., June 6. Individuals interested in running for office need to file a declaration of candidacy form online and submit their voter pamphlet information electronically at http://www.piercecountywa.org/elections . A kiosk will also be available at the Elections Center to submit a declaration of candidacy. A list of candidate filings will be available on the Auditor’s Web site each day. Online candidate filing closes at 4 p.m. on Friday, June 10, and in-person filing closes at 4:30 p.m. Candidates can also contact Pierce County Elections, 253-798-VOTE (8683), 800-446-4979 if they have questions.

“Don’t wait until the last minute to file,” warned Pierce County Auditor Julie Anderson. “There’s no advantage in waiting to file, so avoid the stress and help our staff out. The Auditor’s Office will not accept late filings or late submission for the Voters’ Pamphlet,” she added.

A lot drawing will be held at approximately 5:30 p.m. after the close of filing to determine the order of candidates on the ballot. Candidate filing and the lot drawing will take place at the Pierce County Elections Center, 2501 S 35th St, Suite C, in Tacoma, WA. 98409. The public is welcome to attend. The Primary Election is Aug. 16 and the General Election is Nov. 8.

The Pierce County Auditor’s Office is responsible for elections, licensing services, a variety of public records and animal control services. More information about the office is available at http://www.piercecountywa.org/auditor .