Why you're about to be accosted by political canvassers on D.C. streets

State of play: Candidates for all offices have until March 18 to submit enough valid signatures from registered voters to qualify for the primary ballot.

• Which makes gatherings like farmers markets prime territory for candidates.
• Of which there are many. Over a dozen names want to make the ballot for mayor and D.C. delegate, plus several dozen others across D.C. Council races.
• The field is expected to winnow after the deadline.
• The hotly-contested Democratic primary is June 16.

What's next: Soon enough, you'll see stacks and stacks of campaign signs on traffic poles.