Early voting is underway across Louisiana as its residents pick a governor to replace term-limited John Bel Edwards.

Fifteen people filed paperwork seeking to replace the two-term Democrat. Pre-election polling suggested no candidate appeared to have enough support to win the seat outright in the Oct. 14 primary. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two finishers will advance to a Nov. 18 runoff.

Top Republicans in the race are Attorney General Jeff Landry, Treasurer John Schroder, business lobbyist Stephen Waguespack and state Sen. Sharon Hewitt. The race also includes Democrat Shawn Wilson, the state's former transportation chief, and independent Hunter Lundy, among others. 

Locally, a number of state legislative seats are on the ballot, as are a handful of sheriffs races and contests for clerks of court and other parish-wide positions.

Through the early voting period, which runs through Saturday, Oct. 7, polls will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Most parishes accept ballots at their courthouses but several parishes have multiple locations. All are listed at the secretary of state's website.

Four constitutional amendments are on the ballot in each parish. Among the key questions: Should Louisiana restrict who can help pay to conduct elections, and are governors permitted to close churches, synagogues and mosques during a public emergency?

East Baton Rouge Parish voters will also consider renewing a property tax that would raise $16 million annually for emergency medical services.