Only three months removed from the 2016 presidential election, Carbon County is making preparations for what is likely to be a busy municipal election year in 2017.

County, borough, township and school district elected positions will be up for grabs, beginning with the primary election set for Tuesday, May 16.Municipal elections are held every other year, in odd-numbered years, sandwiching the state and federal elections that are held in even-numbered years.The process begins with people aspiring to public office getting signatures of their party members on petitions that can be signed and filed as of Tuesday.The period runs through Tuesday, March 7.To officially become a candidate, a person must get a designated number of signatures on their petitions, which are filed in the Carbon County Elections Office.A statement of financial interest is also required to be filed with the petition, and a filing fee is also required for county offices.County officesThis time around, three county offices are to be filled by the electorate, including treasurer, register of wills and clerk of orphans' court, a joint position, and clerk of courts.Those positions are currently held by Ronald M. Sheehan, treasurer; Judy F. Moon, register of wills and clerk of the orphans' court; and William C. McGinley, clerk of court. The terms are for four years, beginning in January 2018.Three magisterial district judge positions are to be decided:• District 56-3-02, where William Kissner is the magistrate. The district encompasses the boroughs of Palmerton, Parryville and Bowmanstown and the townships of Lower Towamensing, Towamensing and Franklin.• District 56-3-03, a seat held by Casimir T. Kosciolek. That district includes the boroughs of Lansford, Nesquehoning and Summit Hill, all of East Penn Township, and the Mahoning and New Mahoning districts of Mahoning Township.• District 56-3-01, where Eric Schrantz was appointed to the post by Gov. Tom Wolf upon the retirement of Edward M. Lewis. The district consists of Jim Thorpe, Lehighton and Weissport borough, all of Penn Forest Township and the Packerton/Jamestown district of Mahoning Township.The terms are for six years, beginning in January.Also scheduled to be filled by the electorate are poll worker positions in each of the county's 51 election districts. The voters will fill a judge of elections position for four-year terms in each district, as well as two inspector of elections positions, also for four-year terms, seating one Democrat and one Republican in each district.RequirementsRequirements for getting a person's name on the ballot include: county offices - 100 signatures and $100 filing fee; magisterial district judge - 100 signatures (candidates can cross-file on both the Democratic and Republican ballots) and $50 filing fee; and borough, township and school district offices, 10 signatures.School board candidates can also cross-file on both ballots. There is no filing fee required for borough, township or school district candidates.The county's election office is also accepting new registrations, changes in party affiliation, addresses and/or names. The last day to register to vote, or update your registration before the primary election is April 17.