Many local voters stood in line for three hours or more to cast their ballot Tuesday.

But how’s this for a wait: Seven hours a day for the next three weeks.

That queue has begun at the St. Louis Board of Elections, where campaigns are already preparing for the next election.

Filing for the spring municipal primary — which includes contests for the mayor, comptroller and half the Board of Aldermen — does not open until Nov. 24.

But in an arcane tradition that has been eliminated in many other jurisdictions, candidates began this week jostling for position on the March 3 ballot.

In what amounts to a political Survivor challenge, the candidate or a proxy must maintain a constant presence at Election Board headquarters during regular business hours to guarantee the top spot on their section of the ballot, a status that has been shown to provide a marginal electoral advantage.

By Thursday, four stand-ins had begun their mission: A campaign staffer for Mayor Francis Slay, and representatives for aldermanic challengers in the 3rd, 23rd and 25th Wards.

The surrogates must arrive by 8:15 a.m. and can leave at 4:45 p.m. They are given two 15-minute breaks, and an hour for lunch.

At least, though, the pinch hitters will be able to stay awake and in touch: The Elections Board provides free coffee, television and wireless Internet access.