By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Early voting for the Oct. 22 primary elections, which include the race for governor along with a host of other state and local contests across every parish, begins today and will continue through Oct. 15.

Residents interested in casting early ballots in the River Parishes will have options on the east and west banks of all three parishes. All locations will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the early voting period with the exception of tomorrow, Oct. 9, when the offices will be closed.

In St. John Parish, residents may go to the Percy Hebert Building, 1801 W. Airline Highway in LaPlace, or the parish courthouse, 2393 River Road in Edgard.

In St. James Parish, residents may choose the parish courthouse, 5800 Louisiana Highway 44, Convent, or the courthouse annex, 2631 Louisiana 20, Vacherie.

In St. Charles Parish, residents may go to the parish courthouse, 15045 River Road, Hahnville, or the Arterbury Building, 14564 River Road, New Sarpy.

Residents will need a driver’s license, a Louisiana Special ID or any other picture ID that contains a name, address and signature in order to vote. Residents without a picture ID should bring a utility bill, payroll check or government document that includes their name and address so they can sign a special affidavit to vote.