The general election countdown has begun for South Kitsap voters, who have until 8 p.m. Nov. 3, to get their election-ballot envelopes postmarked.

The campaign drama in Port Orchard should be enough impetus to compel citizens to find that elusive stamp and drop their ballot envelope in the mail.

Headlining the election here is the showdown between incumbent Tim Matthes and his challenger, councilman Rob Putaansuu, in a spirited fight to become mayor. The candidates have been engaged in a sometimes contentious battle headlined by issues about campaign contributions from the Kitsap Association of Realtors, business growth and downtown land-use planning.

The City Council races also have been testy. John Clauson and Cindy Lucarelli are running for reelection and are facing challengers Nick Whittleton and Marcus Lane, respectively. Clancy Donlin is running against a late-comer to the race, write-in candidate Bill Christensen, for the City Council At-Large position.

South Kitsap School District directors Patty Henderson and Greg Wall are running unopposed for reelection. District 2 incumbent Keith Garton is facing competitor Brian Lightbody in the general election.

Kitsap County Fire District 7 is asking citizens to approve Proposition 1, a $4.9 million bond measure, to fund fire equipment and apparatus upgrades.

In a Port of Bremerton race for commissioner, Cary Bozeman and John R. Poppe will face off for the District 1 seat.

There also are races for ports of Manchester and Waterman commissioner seats, as well as for positions on the West Sound Utility and Manchester Water district boards.The general-election countdown has begun for South Kitsap voters, who have until 8 p.m. Nov. 3, to get their election-ballot envelopes postmarked.