Early voting begins today for the November 18 election. There is a state treasurer race, New Orleans mayoral contest and local propositions in 32 parishes to be decided. The October 13 election only saw a 14 percent turnout. Secretary of State Tom Schedler predicts an even lower turnout this month.
Schedler says it costs taxpayers six-million-dollars to hold an election, even if the turnout is low. Some legislators are questioning the validity of holding so many elections to fill vacancies, such as the recent Public Service Commission seat.
Schedler says the numbers for the special election would really be low if it wasn’t for the historic New Orleans mayors race.
Early voting will remain open daily from 8:30am to 6pm until November 11 with the exception of November 10 for Veteran’s Day and Sunday November 5.