Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler announced this week he is encouraging all Louisianians eligible to vote in the Oct. 24 Gubernatorial Primary Election to consider voting early.

Early voting runs from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and continues with the same hours daily through Oct. 17, excluding Sunday.

“Early voting is a great way to conveniently cast your ballot on your schedule instead of having to fit it in on Election Day,” Schedler said. “Saturdays are always busy for individuals and families and with an LSU home game and Southern travel game scheduled, as well as the start of hunting season, many voters should think ahead and consider early voting now.”

River Region voters can utilize the state’s smartphone app, GeauxVote Mobile, to find out where to vote, what’s on their ballot and in which voting district they live.

It’s an interesting election season locally as 38 candidates have expressed their intentions to run for the 21 races specific to St. John the Baptist Parish.

Outside of parish president, St. John voters will weigh in on assessor, sheriff, clerk of court, coroner, all council seats, two state Senate seats, three state Representative seats and two BESE seats.

Statewide, there are more than 1,000 candidate races, including all statewide elected officials.

Additionally, there are four statewide constitutional amendments voters will be asked to decide.

Residents of St. John Parish can vote early at 1801 W. Airline Highway in LaPlace and at 2393 Highway 18 in Edgard. Call 985-652-9797 or 985-331-4559 for more information.

Everyone should exercise their right to vote this month. That doesn’t mean you have to stand in long lines Oct. 24. Beat the crowd, and take care of your voting today.