Back in the 1960’s Governors of Maine, Rhode Island, and North Dakota were elected by an average of one vote per precinct. In 2000, George W. Bush won the State of Florida by 537 votes, thus winning the Presidency.

Many elections have been decided by one or two votes which emphasizes the importance of going to the ballot box if you want to decide the future of our state. Through Saturday October 7 early voting is now open. 

Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin reminds us you do not need a reason to vote early. All voters may vote early, just like they are voting on election day. Voters who want to vote early for any election may do so in person at designated locations in their parish. For a detailed list of early voting locations in your parish, login to the Geaux Vote website.

The registrar of voters will open their offices from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for each day of early voting. When you go to cast your vote early, you will be asked to identify yourself with either a photo ID or signature on a voter affidavit. You may use a Louisiana driver’s license, a Louisiana special identification card, a United States military identification card that contains your name and picture or other generally recognized picture identification card that has your name and signature.

In Calcasieu Parish you may vote early at these locations:
*CALCASIEU REGISTRAR OF VOTERS OFFICE, 1000 RYAN ST, Lake Charles Room #7
*SULPHUR LAW ENFORCEMENT BUILDING, 500 N. HUNTINGTON ST.in SULPHUR.
*MOSS BLUFF PUBLIC LIBRARY, 261PARISH RD, Moss Bluff.

There are many important races on the October 14 Ballot. All of the statewide offices are up: Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Treasurer, and Secretary of State. All seats in the Louisiana Legislature are up even though many in our area were
not contested. A new member of the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Board (BESE) will be elected. All seats on the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury are being elected. In a stamp of approval by voters, ten of the current Calcasieu Jurors
had no opposition. Five seats are contested. The office of Sheriff is open for the first time in several elections with the retirement of Sheriff Tony Mancuso. There are two judicial seats on the ballot. The Parish Assessor and Clerk of Court were  nopposed.
It takes courage to run for office. Candidates are working hard and many are going door to door. It’s been a hot campaign season with high temperatures. The least we can do is go out and vote. October 14 LSU plays Auburn in Baton Rouge. McNeese
has an open date. Voting early makes sense if you are planning to be out of town. 

Many of the races could likely be decided by a handful of votes. A vote or two can make the difference in a candidate making a run-off or winning outright. Louisiana has an opportunity to set the stage for the next four to eight years with a new Governor. Voting is an opportunity for change. Issues that will affect our citizens and businesses will be decided: Creating an environment for economic growth, developing a workforce, improving education outcomes, and improving quality of life to make our state more attractive to keep folks here and attract newcomers. It’s your right. Not voting is giving up your voice. It’s your money. Everyone pays taxes in some form. Voting is your chance to choose how your tax dollars are spent. Watch the debates and forums on line if you have questions about the candidates and their positions. 

Then be sure you and your family get out and vote whether early voting or on October 14.

It’s the thing we all can do and your participation will make a difference. In fact, your one vote may make THE difference.