This election cycle just keeps getting more interesting. A flurry of last-minute filings by local major party candidates in Grand Traverse County is creating an August primary marked by choice and, perhaps more notably, political diversity.

Earlier this week, The Ticker announced county-level candidates in Grand Traverse and Leelanau as well as those running for state representative. Today, it's a look at the races for supervisor in the 13 townships, which feature more residents throwing their hats into the ring – and more Democrats – than the Republican-dominated county has seen in a long time.

Eight townships have contested races. The most hotly contested is in Green Lake Township (Interlochen), where four residents are vying to replace Paul Biondo: Andy Marek (Rep.), current board trustee Marvin D. Radtke, Jr., (Rep.), Kaycie Noble (Dem.) and Chandra Ross (Dem.). (Note: Biondo has filed for a trustee seat).

Marek, who filed in January, went from uncontested last week to three opponents following Tuesday's deadline for partisan candidates. He believes not having to run against an incumbent spurred more interest along both party lines.

"With no incumbent, I think more residents now think there's an opportunity," Marek says.

As far as the contested primary? “I’m impressed," he adds. "Residents haven’t had a choice in a November election for either the county commission or a township seat for a long time.” He says having competition will change his approach to his campaign but not his message. "I think it's time for a change," he says, citing stagnancy in board leadership. "We haven't been moving forward."

In East Bay, Trustee Matt Courtade, first elected to the board in 1996 and then again in 2008 and 2012, is eyeing the supervisor post this time around.

“I've thought I'd like to run for supervisor several times over the years, but like everything else in life the timing just wasn't right,” Courtade tells The Ticker. “I retired from TCAPS last summer and with Glen Lile deciding not to run [Lile is instead running for a trustee spot], it finally seems like the right time.”

Fellow board trustee and Republican Beth Friend is running against Courtade.

Paradise Township (Kingsley) also has a contest brewing for supervisor. Board rustee Rob Lajko is running to replace Tim Trudell, who is not seeking re-election. He is joined by fellow Republicans Renee Case and Charlie Renny, a former Grand Traverse County commissioner.

Other contested supervisor races in the county include:

– Garfield Township: Republican Brad Jewett is challenging Supervisor Chuck Korn, (Rep.), who was first elected in 2008.

– Blair Township: Township treasurer Brenda DeKuiper (Rep.) and Nicole Blonshine (Rep.) have filed to replace Supervisor Pat Pahl, who is not seeking re-election. Pahl served ten years as supervisor and 18 years on the planning commission.

– Peninsula Township: Former supervisor Rob Manigold (Rep.) is running for his old seat after stepping down in 2013. He will face Pete Correia (Rep.), who was appointed after Manigold departed and was elected to the final two years of Manigold’s tenure in 2014.

– Union Township: Incumbent Douglas Mansfield (Rep.) is being challenged by Scott Billings (Rep).

– Whitewater Township: Incumbent Ron Popp (Rep.) is being challenged by Andrew Jeurink (Dem.).

Uncontested supervisor races include: Jay Zollinger (Rep.), Acme Township; Linda Forwerck (Rep.), Fife Lake Township; Douglas E. Moyer (Rep.), Grant Township; Karen Rosa (Rep.), Long Lake Township; John E. Ockert (Dem.), Mayfield Township.

Note: Independent and third-party candidates have until July 21 to file to appear on the November ballot, along with the winners of the August primary.