The October primary in Louisiana has been postponed to November due to hurdles imposed by Hurricane Ida. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s plan, approved by the Governor, moves the primary from October 9th to November 13th and the November 13th election to December 11th.
“When 42% of all of your voters are affected by a major storm, the strongest that’s hit since the 1800s, we have to do something. Folks are focused on shelter and food,” said Ardoin.
Ardoin said they are surveying polling locations for safety and electricity, and some of the hardest-hit areas might not be back online until October. While October 9th might seem like enough time there are a number of deadlines that fall before an election.
“For example, today is the last day to register to vote by paper or in person, a lot of folks can’t get it in, or their applications may actually be in the mail and not deliverable. So, mail service is an issue,” said Ardoin.
Ardoin said he’s heard from several civic groups in support of postponing the election, but he admits he has received feedback from some candidates and advertisers who are not in favor of the postponement.
“But my job is to focus on what’s best for the voters, and how we make sure that our elections are fair, accurate, transparent, and integrity is of the utmost importance,” said Ardoin.
The June primary in 2020 was postponed for COVID mitigation measures and 16 years ago the fall election was also postponed due to Katrina. Governor Edwards stated at a Tuesday press conference that he plans to make a decision in the immediate future about postponing election day.
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