Candidates can now officially file to run in June, kicking off a busy election season.

Erik Chalhoub here, remembering a time when the election process was respected and trusted by our federal government. It feels so long ago, even though it was only about a decade or so.

Perhaps there is a silver lining to these attempts to undermine and question the process. Elections are more transparent than ever before, and officials across the nation open the doors to anyone who wants to see how the votes are counted and verified, however painstakingly slow it may be (but very necessary).

That’s especially true in Monterey County, where Registrar of Voters Gina Martinez invites all to the elections office during the upcoming May 4-June 2 voting period to see how it all goes down. That includes candidates, families and those who are skeptical of the process.

“We’re here for you to see this,” she says. “It’s all open to you. You can see how we set the machines up, how we prepare for the election and how we start processing the ballots.”

Elections are always top of mind for the local crew, even more so now that the candidate filing period for the June 2 election opened yesterday, Feb. 9 and runs through 5pm Friday, March 6.

The governor’s race may be getting most of the attention in California, but Monterey County has many consequential seats up for grabs. These include the Districts 2 and 3 seats on the Board of Supervisors, Superintendent of Schools, county treasurer/tax collector and more.

Martinez advises anyone interested in running for office to visit the Monterey County Elections website and view the candidate guidelines page.

Nomination documents are available Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm at the elections office, 1441 Schilling Place, North Building, in Salinas. Potential candidates should schedule an appointment by emailing candidateservices@countyofmonterey.gov or calling (831) 796-1499.

There are no candidates without voters, so voters can expect to get their ballot mailed to them by May 4. Not registered to vote? You have until May 18 to register. Voters can also check their registration status or update their address if they have moved since the last election.

It’s also a busy(ier) time for news, so stay tuned for election coverage in the coming days and months in the Weekly.