Mail ballots are up an estimated 165-percent for this election in Louisiana, compared to the last Presidential election in 2016. But state officials are hoping this will not lead to a delay in getting complete results thanks to a law passed in the most recent special session, authored by Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt.
“Which allows all the local parishes officials to start processing absentee ballots four days before election day,” said Hewitt.
Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says it’s a time-consuming process to verify absentee ballots by names and signatures. But Hewitt says election workers got a head start with the ability to prep absentee ballots four days in advance.
“Check witness signatures and voter signatures and tear off the flap on the envelope to prepare the ballot so that on election day all they have to do is open the envelop and scan the actual ballot,” said Hewitt.
As of Monday, before the 4:30 p.m. deadline, 180-thousand absentee ballots have already been returned to the registrar of voters, almost double the record set in the July 11th election. Hewitt received input from election officials to change absentee ballot procedures.
“That piece of legislation, in particular, was something that was very well received by the Clerks of Courts and those parish election officials in charge of running the election,” said Hewitt.
Officials anticipate the only delay with results tonight would be if precincts close late due to a long line of voters still waiting to cast their ballot after polls close at 8 p.m. Everyone in line before polls close will be allowed to vote.
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