TIFTON — The qualification period for the district attorney special election has been extended on account of the adverse weather conditions affecting the Tiftarea.

The Office of the Secretary of State elected this afternoon to extend the qualification period for candidates seeking to run for the position of district attorney for the Tifton Judicial Circuit to 5 p.m. Jan. 24, as compensation for the unexpected snowfall that has swept across South Georgia.

Candidates seeking to qualify were required to do so in person at the Secretary of State Office at 238 East 2nd St from Jan. 21 until 1 p.m. Jan. 23, a task made more difficult with the dangerous driving conditions caused by the winter storm.

This extension, the Office of the Secretary of State hopes, will provide potential candidates additional time to qualify.

As of now, only Patrick Warren, acting district attorney, has qualified for the election.