Red River Parish residents interested in seeking local office will have three days this week to qualify as candidates for the Nov. 3 election.

The qualifying period will run Wednesday, Aug. 5, through Friday, Aug. 7. Local candidates will qualify with the Red River Parish Clerk of Court, while congressional candidates will file with the Louisiana Secretary of State.

Red River Parish voters will cast ballots for Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate races. The two U.S. Senate finalists were determined in the June 27 election, while candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives will qualify Aug. 5-7 in Baton Rouge.

Among the most significant races on the ballot for locals will be the Red River Parish School Board elections. All seven seats are up for election, and Louisiana’s term limits for school board members ensure that at least five of the seven seats will be filled by new members. The turnover guarantees a substantial change in board leadership as the newly elected members take on responsibilities that include setting district policy, overseeing finances, and working with the superintendent to provide the best education for students of the parish.

In addition to the School Board races, voters will elect Justice of the Peace and Constable offices, along with judicial and municipal offices whose terms expire this year.

Candidates have until the close of business on Friday, Aug. 7, to complete the qualifying process. Once qualifying ends, the Clerk of Court and Secretary of State will release the official list of candidates, giving voters their first look at the contested races that will shape local government and public education over the next several years.

The primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3, with a runoff election, if needed, on Saturday, Dec. 12.

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