VIDALIA — With many positions for municipal and police jury races still open, the Clerk of Court’s office could be in for an eventful Friday night.

“If they’re waiting in line at 5 p.m., we have to stay here as long as it takes to get everyone registered,” Chief Deputy Clerk of Court Becky Zerby said.

The deadline to qualify for municipal and police jury races for the March 24 primary is 5 p.m. today.

Zerby said qualifying went according to plan on Thursday and that a lot of positions are beginning to fill out.

“It wasn’t as hectic as yesterday, but it got busy the last 30 minutes,” Zerby said. “It was about what I expected it would be.”

Zerby said she expects several last-minute entries today.

Vidalia incumbent Mayor Hyram Copeland remained unopposed as of Thursday evening.

Justin “Preacher” Conner and Joe Sontoyo joined former Ferriday Mayor Gene Allen and District D Alderman Johnnie Brown in the post for Ferriday mayor.

Clayton incumbent Mayor Rydell Turner also qualified Wednesday.

Others to qualify by Wednesday evening were:

Vidalia aldermen:

– District 2 — Randy Young.

– District 3 — Jon Betts and Maureen Saunders.

Police jury:

– District 2 — Fred “Coach” Marsalis and Betty Albert Wilson.

– District 4, Place B — Michael Lyles.

– District 5, Place A — Wilbur “Steel Bill” Washington.

– District 5, Place B — “Tim” Charrier.

Clayton police chief:

– Clarence “PaPa” Skipper.

Clayton aldermen:

– District 2 — Irene Jefferson.

Republican parish executive

committee member:

– District 4, Place A — Ronnie Bradford.

The general election is slated for April 21.

The fee to qualify for police jury as a Democrat or Republican is $230, while the cost is $115 for an independent.

The qualifying fee for a municipal office is $80 for a Republican or Democrat and $40 for an independent.

Races for municipal office include mayor, chief of police and alderman in Clayton and Vidalia, as well as mayor and aldermen in Ferriday.

Qualifying will also take place for Democratic State Central Committee, Republican State Central Committee, Democratic Parish Executive Committee and Republican Parish Executive Committee.

All nine seats on the Concordia Parish police jury are open for qualifiers.

The election was originally set for this fall, but the jury failed to submit its redistricting plan in time for U.S. Department of Justice approval. The plan has now been approved and elections will be this spring.