By JIM BUTLER
Weeks, in some cases months, of posturing and positioning, end Tuesday with opening of qualifying for the Fall elections.
Women and men will file their papers and pay the fees to run for offices ranging from Congress to city court.
Qualifying for federal and state posts is with the Secretary of State Office in Baton Rouge; local posts at the Clerk of Court’s quarters in the parish courthouse. Deadline is Thursday afternoon.
As with almost everything else you have to pay to play. Fees range from $1,500 for hats in the congressional ring to less than $100 for some local slots, in addition to any fees levied by party committees.
There is also a nominating petition process in lieu of the fees, with the number of registered voter signatures needed varying by office.
The primary election is November 3, as is the general election for US Senate. Any runoffs necessary will be on December 12.
Deadline to register to vote in the November election is October 5 if doing so in person; October 13 online. Early voting is October 20-27, excluding Sunday the 25th.
As they say, geaux vote.