The San Juan County Elections Office is notifying the public of a special three-day filing period from Feb. 24 through Feb. 26 for candidates to file for the five-member board of the proposed Lopez Island Metropolitan Park District.

On Feb 10, the San Juan County Council agreed to include a ballot proposition regarding the formation of a metropolitan park district on Lopez Island in an April 22, 2025, Special Election. Additionally, a board of five Metropolitan Park District commissioners will be elected on the same ballot, with new commissioners serving a staggered six-year term.

Supported by a citizens committee on Lopez Island called Rally for the Rec, the proposed metropolitan park district would help “secure the long-term viability of essential programs, create new sustainable opportunities, and enhance the quality of life for all residents on Lopez Island,” according to their website.

To facilitate the special election process, the San Juan County Elections Office will open a special three-day filing period for individuals interested in serving as members of the Metropolitan Park District Board (also known as Lopez Rec). The filing period will take place from Monday, Feb. 24, to Wednesday, Feb. 26 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during which the Elections Office will accept online candidate filings.

Please note that online filings submitted after 5 p.m. on Feb. 26 will not be accepted. You can find online candidate filing at www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1296/Online-Candidate-Filing. If you need assistance, please call the Elections Office at 360-378-3357 or email elections@sanjuancountywa.gov.

Candidate declarations submitted by mail will be accepted starting Monday, Feb. 24. In-person filings will also be accepted from Monday, Feb. 24, at 8 a.m. until Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 5 p.m.

More information about filing for these offices may be obtained by contacting the Elections Office at 55 Second St, PO Box 638, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, by calling 360-378-3357 or by emailing the elections office at elections@sanjuancountywa.gov. Information can also be found at the San Juan County Elections Office website at www.sanjuancountywa.gov/elections.