OK, so it’s still about six months until November. Very few of us are even thinking about putting new politicians in office. Even fewer are considering seeking the positions ourselves. The added workload, commitment and the public spotlight all too often deter viable candidates from taking on representative roles in our community. There are people among us who could be shaping the future of North Kitsap for the better and aren’t.

Perhaps you are one of those people.

“But what does it take to seek public office and what’s it like once you’re elected?” you might ask. Good question.

And seeing that 18 positions — ranging from the North Kitsap School Board, North Kitsap Fire & Rescue and Poulsbo Fire Department commissioners, and various port commissioners to Poulsbo City Council and Poulsbo Mayor — will be open on November’s ballots, the League of Women Voters is making a special push to ensure this and numerous other queries are fully answered.

The LWV and the North Kitsap Herald will be hosting an informational forum for residents interested in running for political office from 9 a.m. to noon May 7 at the Poulsbo Library. That’s next Saturday folks. So if you’re on the fence about whether or not to seek office, this event will likely put you on one side or the other.

All positions up for grabs are non-partisan, explained LWV member Pam Hamon. That means the races should pretty much revolve around the issues and personal experience rather than elephants and donkeys. Even those not interested in seeking office are encouraged to attend, added LWV member Pat Farrington.

Why? An educated voting population is almost as important as a representative Democracy. It’s very difficult to have one without the other. The League knows this and it also knows that the first step in finding viable candidates and informing voters is through public outreach. November will be here before you know it.

Will you be on the ballot or just marking it?