Nov. 16, 2019
Gubernatorial General Election
The following is important information for the Nov. 16, 2019 Gubernatorial General Election:
The deadline to register to vote in person or by mail was Oct. 16.
The deadline to register to vote through the GeauxVote Online Registration System is Oct. 26.
Early voting is Nov. 2-9 (except Sunday, Nov. 3) from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
The deadline to request an absentee by mail ballot is Nov. 12 by 4:30 p.m. You can request an absentee by mail ballot online through our Voter Portal or in writing through your Registrar of Voters Office (other than military and overseas voters).
The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a voted mail ballot is Nov. 15 by 4:30 p.m. (other than military and overseas voters). https://www.sos.la.gov/ElectionsAndVoting/GetElectionInformation
Dr Martin Luther King Jr. once stated, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” When we neglect our right to vote we are silencing our own voice. Our voices should not be silenced! We should be heard loudly, especially for the election of public officials who will oversee our state and local governments and make important public policy decisions that will affect us all directly and indirectly.
According to the Secretary of State’s website, with 100% of the precincts in Lincoln Parish reporting, including absentee ballots, the unofficial turnout for the state elections (Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, Atty. General, Treasurer, and Commissioners) ranged from 45.1% to 40.3%. Voter participation at this woefully low rate, in 2019, would have been extremely dispiriting to Dr. King, who was a champion for justice and civil rights. Although the weather on election day was sunny and comfortable, less than 50% of the registered voters in Lincoln Parish showed up to cast their vote. Early reports indicate that this was also the case in many parishes throughout the state of Louisiana.
As a result, Governor John Bel Edwards will face Republican Eddie Rispone in a runoff election on November 16, 2019. A runoff election will also be held between Secretary of State candidates Kyle Ardoin and Gwen Collins-Greenup; and candidates for the 35th Senatorial District, James R. “Jim” Fannin and “Jay” Morris.
Locally, in the Police Juror-District 1 election, with 7of 7 precincts reporting, the unofficial turn out of voters was only 32.5%. The results of this race will force a runoff between incumbent Theresa Wyatt and Daphne Gallot-Knighten. The Police Juror-District 2 election was won by incumbent Hazel Hunter, who received 74% of the votes to her opponent’s 26%.
Other local winners in the October 12th election are: Sheriff – Stephen Williams, Clerk of Court -Linda Cook, Assessor – Billy “Mac” McBride and Constable – Bobby Washington. Regarding the 2019 Proposed Constitutional Amendments, 2 and 3 passed, while amendments 1 and 4 failed. To see all of the election results, go to https://www.sos.la.gov/ElectionsAndVoting/Pages/default.aspx.
In the words of District 11 State Representative Patrick Jefferson, we must “Make GREAT EFFORTS IN BOLD NUMBERS”! Gramfam, we must let our voices be heard in this general election! and we must encourage our family and friends to VOTE!