The race to public office is beginning- but it’s off to a slow start.

Candidates began filing July 6- but so far, the options are sparse. Four positions are open in Boone, and only four people have filed. In Avery County, ten total candidates had filed as of yesterday. That is likely to increase before the Friday deadline, according to Avery County Board of Elections’ Bob Austin.

He anticipates a lot of candidates to file at the last minute.

Among incumbents wanting to keep on serving are Boone Mayor Loretta Clawson, Crossnore Mayor Tudor Banks and Sugar Mountain Mayor Dennis Lacey. For an updated list of candidates, visit goblueridge.net.