Candidates Rush To Qualify
BOBBY ARDOIN
St. Landry Now.com Editor
The Wednesday morning sun had just peeked from above the horizon when many candidates were spotted waiting for the doors to open at the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court Election Center.
Nearly 10 hours later, more than 100 of them had paid their qualifying fees and walked away with hopes of capturing public office in the Nov. 3 primary elections, according to registration officials.
“We had people waiting in line by 6:30, an hour an a half before we were scheduled to start,” Clerk of Court Charles Jagneaux said on Tuesday.
Jagneaux said that he expects the election to be one of the largest in recent parish history, since political races include elected offices in all St. Landry Parish municipalities, school board, state district judges and constables.
Many of the candidates treated the qualifying experience as a chance to meet with one another in addition to bystanders who wandered into the first floor foyer and waiting area, eager to talk politics.
Candidates were provided with numbers when they walked into the building in order to better organize the qualifying process which was handled in a separate room away from spectators and other prospective qualifiers.
Jagneaux said the election center appears to be a better fit for hosting qualifying events.
Previously qualifying was held at the Delta Grand.
Qualifying will continue Thursday and Friday from 8 am until 4:30 pm.
Complete lists of candidates who qualified will be published on the St. Landry Now.com website.
