LAPLACE – The signs are beginning to show up in St. John Parish with greater frequency, making it clear the big fall election in the region is not far away.

A multitude of positions will be up for grabs this fall, including the high profile races that include St. John Parish President, Sheriff and the local District 57 House of Representatives race.

The primary for the election is set for Saturday, October 20, with any runoffs taking place on November 17.

St. John Clerk of Court Eliana DeFrancesch has announced details for candidates to mark on their calendars if they plan to run.

Qualifying begins Tuesday, September 4 and ends Thursday, September 6, 2007.

You may qualify at the Arcuri Center on the East Bank in LaPlace on Wednesday only. Court is being held at the Arcuri Center on Tuesday and Thursday of that week. The Clerk of Court’s office at the Edgard Courthouse will be available throughout the qualifying period.

The last day to register to vote for the October 20, 2007 primary election is Wednesday, Sept.19, 2007.

The last day to register to vote for the November 17, 2007 general election is October 17, 2007.

Early voting begins Monday, October 8, 2007 and ends October 13, 2007 at 4:30 P.M. for the October 20, 2007 primary.

Early voting begins Monday, November 5, 2007 and ends November 10, 2007 at 4:30 P.M. for the November 17, 2007 general election.

The lists of watchers and alternate watchers must be filed with the Clerk of Court’s office before 5 p.m. on the 10th day before the election, which is by October 10, 2007 for the October 20, 2007 election and by November 7, 2007 for the November 17, 2007 election.

A copy of the qualifying form can be found on their web site at www.stjohnclerk.org . Please complete the form and present it to the office on qualifying day.

The Clerk of Court invites all candidates to a informative meeting to answer any questions on qualifying and election procedures, which will be held on Wednesday, August 29 at Bot’s Place, 2810 W. Airline Hwy., in LaPlace.