Candidates who wish to run for political offices for the 2020 election cycle can begin filing nomination papers today. Filing closes March 9 at 5 p.m.

Open Flathead County positions include the County Commissioner District 1, Clerk of District Court and Democrat and Republican precinct committeemen and women.

The county commission is the county’s governing body, which consists of three commissioners elected at-large to six-year staggered terms. The commission is the executive and legislative branch for the county as well, and is charged with setting policy to guide county programs that serve residents and businesses. District 1 spans 2,153 square miles in the northern portion of the county stretching from east Kalispell over to Essex and up through the West Glacier and the Polebridge area.

The elected candidate will replace Republican Commissioner Phil Mitchell, who was elected in November 2014 and began his term Jan. 1, 2015. Mitchell said he is “99% sure” he is not running for another term.

The Clerk of District Court serves the public in areas including case management, marriage licenses, passports and child support records. The clerk assists District Court judges by providing optimum and efficient management of all District Court records as well. The position is a four-year term.

Current Clerk of Court Peg Allison has held her position for more than 26 years. Allison said she “loves her job and position with the county” and intends to run for another term.

Candidates are required to file a Declaration of Nomination along with the appropriate filing fee at the county Election Department at 40 11th St. West in Kalispell. The filing fee for county commissioner and clerk of district court is $364.23 and there is no fee for the other open positions.

Additionally, candidates for county offices are required to file electronically with the Office of the Commissioner of Political Practices.

Filing details and accompanying documents are available on the Flathead County Election Department’s website.