BEND, OR -- Dozens of local offices are up for grabs in the May election, but - as of this week - more than half of the positions on Deschutes County's ballot remain without a candidate. County Clerk Nancy Blankenship is optimistic more candidates will step up before next week's filing deadline, "Your college, your library, your schools, your fire departments and some water and sewer districts. And these are great opportunities. If you feel like you want to give back to the community, like a lot of us do, and serve, these are some great places to serve." She tells KBND News, "Unlike the Governor or the Presidential [race], these are people you touch and know and talk to every day. They have a big influence on your life, on your tax dollars and your quality of life. And so, if you want to serve and be part of that, it’s a great opportunity. But, it’s also important to participate on the voting side because these people affect your life every day."

Those interested in running in the May 21st election only have another week to get their paperwork in, "March 21st is the deadline to file as a candidate. Then, the next big deadline, if you want to put a candidate statement in, March 25th; that’s the deadline for the voters’ pamphlet. Not all counties in Oregon provide voters’ pamphlets. We’re – there’s only nine or 10 counties that do." Click HERE for a list of other important dates related to the upcoming election. You'll find a list of open Deschutes County positions HERE.