The region’s voters, like their peers throughout Washington, now know who they will be considering when casting their ballots in the fall.

The official filing period was last week, May 14-18, across the state. Candidates for all offices had to submit their names for consideration by the close of office hours Friday.

Ballots won’t be as daunting as usual, with a limited number of races to be determined. There are no city council or school board seats to fill, so things won’t seem as “local” as in other years.

The races hitting closest to home come in the 31st Legislative District, which takes in Enumclaw, Bonney Lake, Buckley, Lake Tapps, Sumner and a portion of Auburn. In the race for the 31st Senate seat, incumbent Phil Fortunato, a Republican, is challenged by Democrat Immaculate Ferreria and Jeff Benson, who lists no party preference. In the Position 1 race, incumbent Drew Stokesbary, a Republican, faces Democrat Victoria Mena; in Position 2, incumbent Morgan Irwin, a Republican, is challenged by Democrat Mark Boswell and Steve Skutt, who lists no party preference.

In Pierce County, area voters will decide who represents them on the Pierce County Council. Incumbent Dan Roach of Bonney Lake has filled two terms and cannot run again. Seeking the District 1 post on the Republican side are Milt Trembley of Buckley, Sharon Hanek of Bonney Lake and Dave Morell of Puyallup; also on the ballot is Democrat Lorra Jackson of Puyallup.

Voters will help decide who replaces the retiring Dave Reichert in the 8th Congressional District. A dozen candidates stepped forward, including four Democrats, three Republicans, one from the Independent Centrist Party, a Libertarian and three independent candidates.

Also looking toward Washington, D.C., local voters will help choose a U.S. senator – and they will have plenty of options to consider. Candidates include incumbent Maria Cantwell, a Democrat, and 29 other opponents.

Local voters will also see numerous races for judicial position on their ballots. Seats will be decided for the state Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and District Courts in both King and Pierce counties.

The August primary will narrow all fields to the top two, who will advance to November’s general election.