It’s not a presidential election year. But it’s a big one nonetheless.

In five weeks, candidates will emerge for 16 positions on the fall ballot in North Kitsap — positions that influence economic development, public safety, recreation, and a host of other issues affecting community life.

Five of seven Poulsbo City Council positions will be on the ballot this fall, as will three of five North Kitsap School Board positions.

Rob Gelder, appointed to the County Commission in March, is expected to run for the right to serve out the rest of his term, which ends in 2012.

Residents will vote on candidates for two of five commission positions in the North Kitsap and Poulsbo fire districts.

One of three commission positions will be on the ballot in the Eglon, Indianola, Keyport, Kingston, and Poulsbo port districts.

One of five positions on the Village Green Metropolitan Park District commission will be on the ballot.

Candidates will file their required paperwork June 6-10, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The primary is Aug. 16; the general election is Nov. 8.

Voter-registration deadline is 29 days prior to an election. If registering by mail, the application must be postmarked by the 29-day cutoff or it will not become effective until after the election. First-time voters and new residents of the state may register up to eight days prior to the election by appearing in person at the Kitsap County Auditor’s Elections Office.

Voter registration forms are available online at www.kitsapgov.com/aud/elections/votereg.htm; at city halls, fire stations, libraries and schools; most state and federal offices; and at the Kitsap County Elections Office, 619 Division St., Port Orchard.

Each Poulsbo City Council term is four years, and members each receive $6,000 a year. The City Council is the legislative branch of city government; members approve the budget, make laws, set policies, and serve on committees.

Linda Berry-Maraist, Position 1, is completing her first term. Connie Lord, Position 2, is completing her second term. Jeff Bauman, Position 3, was appointed in January 2010 to complete the term of Becky Erickson, who was elected mayor. Jeff McGinty, Position 4, is completing his fifth term. David Musgrove, Position 5, was appointed in January to complete the term of Dale Rudolph, who resigned.

On its website, the council lists the completion of the new City Hall and adoption of a Comprehensive Plan among its accomplishments. Among its goals for 2011: Identifying and implementing the best use for the old city hall site, the former museum site and other city-owned properties; establishing a community vision for downtown, Poulsbo Village, and other town centers; further developing the city’s recreation offerings; and revitalization of Viking Avenue.

North Kitsap School Board members serve four-year terms and are not paid. Dan Weedin, District 2, was appointed in November 2009; his predecessor, Dan Delaney, resigned because of health issues. Val Torrens, District 4, is completing her first term. Ed Strickland, District 5, is completing his second term. The school board has been grappling with budget cuts forced by declines in enrollment and state and federal support for smaller class sizes.

Fire district commissioners serve six-year terms. In the Poulsbo Fire District (officially known as Kitsap County Fire District 18), Martin Sullivan, Position 3, is completing a term to which he was appointed in December 2007. David Ellingson, Position 4, is completing his second term.

In the North Kitsap Fire & Rescue District, Steve Neupert of Kingston is completing his first  term. Fernando Espinosa of Suquamish is completing his fourth term; he was a Fire District 4 commissioner before that district merged into what is now the North Kitsap district.

Port commissioners also serve six-year terms. On the ballot are positions held by David Roberts, Eglon; Jeff Henderson, Indianola; Brian Watne, Keyport; Thomas A. Coultas, Kingston; Arnold Bockus, Poulsbo. Among the most notable port district issues this year: The Kingston Port District’s subsidy of, and impending relaunch of, the SoundRunner passenger ferry service.

Last August, Kingston voters created the Village Green Metropolitan Park District and elected five commissioners who serve six-year terms. Jason Manges’ position will be the first up to get a system of staggered terms in place.