Sandy, another of Utah's most-populous cities, was more on par with West Valley, with a turnout of 15.1 percent of registered voters and about 8 percent of the population. Sandy had four council races and no mayoral race.

This year, West Valley is once again voting for mayor, but this time, two candidates have filed, including Nordfelt. Three council seats are again up for grabs. So far, three candidates are vying for one at-large seat, and two are in the running to represent District 4. However, only the incumbent has filed for the District 2 council seat.

Salt Lake City isn't faring much better in terms of candidates, with only one candidate having filed so far in District 5. District 1 is the most contested, with three candidates having filed so far, and districts 3 and 7 both have two candidates. There is no mayoral race in Salt Lake this year.

But West Valley's less-populous neighbor to the south, West Jordan, is a different story. The fast-growing city already has four candidates running for mayor, including incumbent Mayor Bryan Holladay and three challengers. Two at-large seats are up for election, and five candidates have filed in those races.

Would-be candidates countywide have until Aug. 15 to file. To seek office in West Valley, candidates must pay a $25 filing fee. Candidates can file Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at City Hall, 3600 Constitution Blvd. (2700 West).

The city will host two meet-the-candidates nights at City Hall. They will be Sept. 28 and Nov. 2 at 7 p.m.

The primary election will be Oct. 4, and the general election will be Nov. 8.

---

E-mail: dsmeath@desnews.com