The new year has just begun, but about half a dozen hopefuls have already pulled nomination papers in hopes of being on the ballot for town elections on Tuesday, April 8.

The race for two seats on the select board — one three years, the other one year — is already looking tight, with five candidates already for the three-year seat currently held by chairwoman Shana Teas and the one-year unexpired term now vacant with the recent departure of former select board member and current 8th Bristol Rep. Steve Ouellette.

Teas pulled her nomination papers about a week before Christmas, as did Christopher Thrasher, who placed second to Ouellette in the 8th Bristol race. In addition, hopefuls Jacob McGuigan, Weston D. Thurston II and Keith Dias have also pulled papers. All are seeking either position apart from Dias, who has pulled papers for only the three-year term.

Other seats

There are 13 other elected positions up for grabs, but so far only a few have received interest. Tanja Ryden is running for re-election to the Board of Health and Stephen J. Medeiros a three-year seat on the board of assessors, while Pauline Sylvia-Medeiros seeks a one-year seat on the same board. Meanwhile, Caitlin Sampers pulled her nomination papers for one of two three-year seats on the school committee.

Other open positions include the three-year landing commissioner seat, the three-year commissioner of trust funds seat, the fish commissioner seat at three years, one five-year position on the housing authority, the three-year town moderator position, and three-year positions on the board of health, library board of trustees (two positions available), and planning board.

Westport Town Clerk Kristin Stinson said residents have until Friday, Feb. 14 to obtain their nomination papers, and must submit them back to the town by Tuesday, Feb. 18, with 50 signatures from registered Westport voters, in order to appear on the ballot.