Eighteen people got a jump start on the upcoming elections Friday as they picked up qualifying petitions on opening day.The qualifying period will continue until noon Feb. 20. Two candidates went ahead and grabbed the required number of signatures on their petitions and qualified opening day. They include incumbent Register of Deeds Terry K. Smith and incumbent Trustee Darlene Reagan Bryant, both of whom will seek the Democratic nomination when primaries are held May 6.For the office of county executive, John Shields picked up papers as a Republican while Herschel Wells Sr., picked up papers to run as a Democrat.Others picking up their petitions on opening day included incumbent Public Defender Dan Bryant and his competitor, local attorney John Partin.Incumbent County Clerk Lesa Scott and Circuit Court Clerk Bernie Morris joined District Attorney General Lisa Zavogiannis as incumbents also picking up papers opening day.Incumbent Sheriff Jackie Matheny picked up papers, as did sheriff’s contender Bobby Edwards.