VALPARAISO | Candidate filings for this year's busy election season kicks off today.

Among those expected to throw their hats in the ring include a county recorder candidate who claims to be a descendent of President Abraham Lincoln and Portage Township's last constable, who plans to run for county coroner.

Candidate filings will continue through noon Feb. 19 for many federal, state and local posts, including several county offices.

It has been 32 years since Bill Coker served in the former post of Portage Township constable, but the 64-year-old said he now intends to re-enter public life as a Democratic candidate for county coroner.

He plans to both file as a candidate and seek to complete the balance of the term being abandoned by fellow Democrat Coroner Vicki Deppe.

"I've always been interested in the post," said Coker, who has worked for local funeral homes.

Hebron resident Debby Dean Malik said she intends to file today as a candidate for county recorder.

The 49-year-old Democrat said she has worked five years as a deputy recorder in Lake County and has experience in the county clerk's and assessor's offices. She also has eight years of experience as a successful business owner and claims to be a descendant of President Abraham Lincoln.

Filings are expected from county Auditor James Kopp, who will be challenged in a primary race by fellow Democrat and Chesterton Tribune reporter Vicki Urbanik.