VIDALIA — The qualifying period for candidates in upcoming Concordia Parish and state elections starts today.

Qualifying for local elections will be between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. today and Thursday at the Concordia Parish Clerk of Court’s office, Chief Deputy Clerk of Court Becky Zerby said.

Qualifying will also be from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Friday, she said.

Those who wish to qualify for the races in the Fifth Congressional District, Louisiana lieutenant governor and for the U.S. Senate must do so at the executive offices of the Secretary of State in Baton Rouge.

Parish-wide positions up for election include all of the seats on the Concordia Parish school board.

In Vidalia, positions up for election include the city judge and the city court marshal.

In Ridgecrest, the positions of mayor, aldermen and chief of police will be up for election.

The primary for the U.S. Senate and House seats will be Aug. 28.

The primary for the local races and for the lieutenant governor’s seat will be Oct. 2.

The general election will be Nov. 2.

The full schedule of filing fees and a qualifying form can be obtained online at www.sos.louisiana.gov.