By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Today is the last day to register to vote in the August primary elections.

In the Aug. 28 election, voters will be choosing party candidates for the upcoming congressional elections on Oct. 2.

As for the primary elections, according to St. John Registrar of Voters Betty Madere, only registered Republicans are allowed to vote in the Republican primary. Voters with no official party affiliation may vote in either the Democratic or Libertarian primary, but not both.

On Aug. 28, Republican voters will have to choose among Nick Accardo, Chet Traylor and incumbent David Vitter in the U.S. Senate race and Hunt Downer, Jeff Landry and Kristian Magar in the race for the Third Congressional District.

The Democratic primary will feature Neeson Chauvin Jr., Cary Deaton and Charlie Melancon, and the Libertarian primary will feature Anthony Gentile and Randall Todd Hayes. Both of those primaries are for the Senate seat.

Neither of those parties will hold a primary election for the third congressional district race.

Registered members of the Reform or Green parties will not be allowed to vote in the primary elections.

The general elections for those races as well as lieutenant governor, school boards and judicial seats will take place on Oct. 2.

The deadline to register to vote in those elections is Sept. 1.

People can register to vote at the Department of Motor Vehicles, Social Services offices or online at geauxvote.com. Forms can be obtained from public libraries.