Candidates begin qualifying for November election today

The Nov. 5 election ballot starts taking shape Wednesday as candidates begin qualifying for local municipal and special elections across Southwest Louisiana.

The ballot will include multiple federal elections including U.S. president and U.S. representative for the 3rd and 4th Congressional District, as well as appellate court judges across the state.

Local and municipal candidates can qualify 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, July 17-19 at the Clerk of Court’s office in the parish in which they are registered to vote. Candidates for state and federal offices must qualify at the Louisiana State Archives, 3851 Essen Lane in Baton Rouge.

Qualifying candidates will be required to provide an email address and present a valid Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana identification card, according to the Secretary of State’s office. The email address provided will be listed on the secretary of state’s website.

Public offices up for grab in Southwest Louisiana by parishes include:

Allen Parish

U.S. Representative, 4th Congressional District

Judge, Court of Appeal 3rd Circuit, 3rd District, Division B

Oakdale mayor

Oakdale police chief

Oakdale councilman at large (1 to be elected)

Oakdale councilmen, District 1-4

Beauregard Parish

U.S. Representative, 4th Congressional District

Judge, Court of Appeal 3rd Circuit, 2nd District, Elec. Sec. 2A

Constable Justice of the Peace District 1

Calcasieu Parish

U.S. Representative, 3rd Congressional District

U.S. Representative, 4th Congressional District

Judge, Court of Appeal 3rd Circuit, 2nd District, Elec. Sec. 2A

Police Juror District 15

Justice of the Peace Ward 7

Cameron Parish

U.S. Representative, 3rd Congressional District

Judge, Court of Appeal 3rd Circuit, 2nd District, Elec. Sec. 2A

Justice of Peace Justice of Peace Ward 3

Jeff Davis Parish

U.S. Representative, 3rd Congressional District

Judge, Court of Appeal 3rd Circuit, 2nd District, Elec. Sec. 2A

Constable Justice of the Peace Ward 3

Elton mayor

Elton council member (1 to be elected)

Welsh mayor

Welsh aldermen (5 to be elected)

Welsh police chief

Fenton mayor

Fenton aldermen (3 to be elected)

Fenton police chief

Vernon Parish

U.S. Representative, 4th Congressional District

Judge, Court of Appeal 3rd Circuit, 2nd District, Elec. Sec. 2A

Anacoco mayor

Anacoco council members (3 to be elected)

Anacoco police chief

Simpson mayor

Simpson aldermen (3 to be elected)

Simpson police chief

a

Early voting for the fall election will be Oct. 18-29.

For more information on qualifying, visit the secretary of state’s website at www.sos.la.gov or call the Election Hotline at 800-883-2805.

w

SportsPlus

Crime

12/27: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

McNeese recognizes fall honor graduates

Crime

Local pair charged in 2023 death of infant

life

SW La. nightlife calendar: There’s always something to do

life

New Year’s Eve ball drop coming to Jennings

life

American Press staff writer Doris Maricle awarded Paul Harris Fellowship

life

Team Green to host Christmas tree recycling event

Local News

Jennings eyes empty elementary school to expand recreational program

life

Rebuilding of Epps Memorial Library underway

McNeese Sports

Cowboys begin title defense

Local News

E-edition of the American Press free today

Local News

Teacher Natalie Jordan: ‘Education is the tool students use to break barriers’

Local News

Unrestrained driver killed in Christmas Day crash

Jim Gazzolo

Gazzolo column: State rivalries matter

McNeese Sports

Shooting struggles hampering Cowboys

life

Program provides foster families opportunity to visit state parks for free

Local News

WEATHER WATCH: Three-day stretch of severe weather possible

Crime

12/26: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Louisiana pension fund posts $1.5B growth, 14% return in fiscal year

life

PHOTO GALLERY: A Panorama Music House Christmas

Crime

Louisiana residents list crime as one of state’s most pressing issues

life

Party like it’s 2025: Hot spots to ring in the new year

life

‘Strange’ crew: Local talent brings sci-fi atmosphere to movie

Local News

Fate of Trump’s Cabinet picks unclear