Washington Parish Registrar of Voters Randy Strickland said he is pleased by the turnout during the early voting period in the run up to the Oct. 24 primary election.

Early voting began on Oct. 10 and concludes at 6 p.m. on Oct. 17. Voting is done at Northshore Technical Community College-Sullivan Campus in Bogalusa and at the Courthouse in Franklinton.

“Early voting has been going real strong; it’s been good,” Strickland said, earlier in the week. “Between Bogalusa and Franklinton, we did right at 900 people on Saturday (Oct. 10).

Strickland said approximately 200 people cast their early vote on Monday, while Franklinton had another 300 individuals cast votes.

“Saturday was nearly a record day for early voting in Bogalusa, as 475 people voted,” Strickland said. “The record is just over 500 for any location.”

Strickland said he was somewhat taken aback by the first day’s early voting.

“We were figuring voting would be in the 250 to 300 range, but Saturday was extra heavy compared to what we expected,” Strickland said.

Voters will select candidates in state, parish and local races.

Bogalusa residents will also be voting on whether or not to renew a property tax. It is a renewal for 10 years. The renewal will help fund city employees’ retirement fund.

Among the races on the ballot is a battle for Sheriff between incumbent Randy “Country” Seal and challenger Scott Blair. Seal is in his first term. Both are running as Democrats.

Assessor James “Jimbo” Stevenson is being challenged by Helen M. Hart.

All seven seats for the Washington Parish Council are being contested. Incumbents on the Council who are running and are being challenged are District 2 Councilman Michael Fussell, District 4 Councilman Andre Johnson, District 5 incumbent Pete Thomas, District 6 incumbent Greg Route and District 7 incumbent Aubrey Posey.

Dr. Chuck Nassauer is giving up his Parish Council District 3 seat to run for state representative from District 75. He is running against Bogalusa City Council member Malinda White.

Voters will also elect candidates for statewide offices, including governor, lieutenant governor and state Senate.