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NATCHEZ — It’s no April fools joke that the Natchez Pet Mayor election is almost here!

The registration deadline has been extended to Monday, March 31 — the last day to register a pet in the Pet Mayor Election before voting begins online on April 1. Click here to view the candidates who have already registered. 

On the last day of voting, April 26, voters will have an opportunity to meet the candidates at the Pooch-A-Palooza fundraiser on the Natchez Bluff. A collaring ceremony will take place on May 3.

The election — hosted by the Mississippi Main Street Organization, Downtown Natchez Alliance — is the first-ever of its kind in the City of Natchez and supports the efforts of the non-profit DNA group of boosting small businesses, entertainment and downtown living.

A portion of the fundraiser’s proceeds will be donated to local animal welfare organizations.

The election is not limited to any species, no matter how small, said Elizabeth Greer, Board Secretary for DNA. In fact, diversity is encouraged.

“We have a horse in the running and I hear there is a bearded dragon getting ready to slide and slither in the last-minute entries,” she said.

Rece entry is $25 and anyone can sponsor a pet to join, even if it’s not a pet of their own, Greer said.

“It’s all for fun and for downtown,” she said. “We’re raising money for our downtown projects and also our local animal welfare organizations. ”

The pet with the most votes will become the mayor, second place is the “Chief of Pawlice,” third place is the “Fur Chief” and fourth through 9th-place winners are the “Board of Pawldermen.”

Candidate’s sponsors have the option to purchase a campaign headquarters kit for $200 that includes two campaign yard signs with a voting page QR code, an on-location Facebook live video with Natchez DNA featuring the business headquarters and candidate, social media tagging in boosted posts, patriotic-colored balloons and a collection jar for cash votes.

Online and headquarters voting costs $5 per vote. There is no limit to the number of times a person can vote.

Register online at natchezpetmayor.com or visit natchezdna.org for more information.