In communities across the nations, decisions that impact our daily lives — from school policies to public safety to infrastructure — are made by boards and councils of locally elected officials. Yet local governments often face a troubling shortage of candidates willing to step into leadership roles.

It’s time to change that.

From May 5-9, the candidate filing period for positions in the general election is open. It could be an important year, especially for municipal government on Whidbey Island. On the ballot this November are seats on city councils, the hospital district, school districts, port districts, fire districts, park and recreation districts, cemetery districts, water districts and sewer districts.

Four of the seven seats on the Oak Harbor City Council will appear on the ballot. Sort of like a national mid-term election, the result of the election may represent community views on how the mayor, administration and council is doing.

The seats currently held by Councilmembers Jim Woessner, Bryan Stucky, Barbara Armes and James Marrow, an appointed member of the council, will be on the ballot. Woessner, who is in his eighth year in office, said he won’t seek reelection, while the others said they will run in November.

Woessner and Stucky are known for being independent voices on the council. They ask tough questions of the mayor and staff and aren’t afraid to disagree and challenge, albeit politely. Others have been more likely to follow the mayor’s lead. People with strong feelings about which approach they favor — and whether they want change in city government — should consider filing for election.

Change is coming to the Langley City Council. The seats held by Harolynne Bobis, Rhonda Salerno and Gail Fleming will be on the ballot. Fleming said she is not running again. Bobis and Salerno did not respond to email inquiries, but Bobis has indicated during past city council meetings that she does not intend to run again.

In Coupeville, the seats currently held by Michael Moore and Pat Powell will be on the ballot. Moore said he doesn’t plan to run again. Powell didn’t immediately respond to an inquiry.

WhidbeyHealth public hospital board will have two open seats. Both Gregory Richardson and longtime board member Ron Wallin, the former president of the board, said they aren’t running for reelection to the six-year terms. Although the board runs medical facilities that are vital to Whidbey residents — and represents one of the largest governmental entities on the island — the positions don’t always draw a lot of interested candidates. Hopefully this time will be different.

Other positions on the ballot include two seats on the Oak Harbor School Board, three seats on the Coupeville School Board, two seats on the South Whidbey School Board, two seats on the Port of Coupeville, one seat on the Port of South Whidbey, three of the five positions on the North Whidbey Pool, Park and Recreation board, three seats on the South Whidbey Parks and Recreation board, two seats on the board of North Whidbey Fire and Rescue, one seat for Central Whidbey Island Fire and Rescue and one seat for South Whidbey Fire/EMS are up for reelection, as well as a number of cemetery, water and sewer district positions.

If you’ve ever thought, “Someone should fix this?” Maybe that someone is you.

So take the leap. Talk to your neighbors. Research news stories. Our communities need leaders who care — and that starts with you.