NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Early voting numbers are still coming in, but the Louisiana presidential primary has lower turnout than in previous presidential election years.
Orleans Parish is seeing a 50% drop in voter turnout.
“In 2020, we had right around 20,000 early voters and this year it’s at 10,000. So, it’s below half and that is a concern for everyone,” said Orleans Parish Clerk of Court Darren Lombard.
Even with President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump already the nominees for their respective parties, people are worried. Some voters are afraid low early voter turnout could foreshadow what’s to come at the polls in November.
“It’s important to vote because if you don’t vote, you don’t have a voice. So, I always exercise my right to vote, and I make sure my kids do the same thing,” said Brenda Wheeler.
As of March 1, there were around three million voters registered in Louisiana. Lombard hopes voters do their research and arrive at the polls confident about their choice.
“There may be some voter fatigue over what is going on nationally and also what happened four years ago. That may be affecting voter motivation in this election. Hopefully, election day people will turn out,” said Lombard.
This weekend and on election day, the number one thing voters should remember is to bring their IDs. Also, remember if you are in line past closing times you will still be eligible to vote.
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