Lafayette, LA – The early voting period for the May 3 election in Acadiana wrapped up on April 26, and while the election season progresses, voter turnout across several parishes has been notably low.
According to the Secretary of State’s office, turnout has been sparse in Iberia, Jeff Davis, St. Martin, and St. Mary Parishes, with numbers as of the final day of early voting indicating a continued trend of underwhelming participation.
In Iberia Parish, just 447 of the 43,982 registered voters cast their ballots, translating to a turnout of approximately 1%. Similarly, Jeff Davis Parish saw 222 out of 20,702 registered voters participate, also reaching a 1% turnout. In St. Martin Parish, 1,347 out of 35,505 registered voters voted early, representing a higher but still modest turnout of 4%. St. Mary Parish experienced the lowest early voting participation, with only 169 voters casting their ballots from a total of 30,568 registered voters, a turnout of just 0.5%.
Despite the low turnout, voters still have time to engage in the election process. For those who haven’t yet voted, the polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, May 3, across all parishes. Voters will need to bring a valid form of identification, such as a Louisiana driver’s license, a Louisiana Special ID card, a passport, or even a digital ID via the LA Wallet app, to cast their vote.
The election ballot for this May includes a limited number of local races and propositions. In Iberia Parish, voters will decide on the continuation of a 3.45 mills tax for the maintenance of public streets, sidewalks, and alleys within the city of New Iberia. This proposed tax would extend for 10 years, starting in 2025 and running through 2034.
In Jeff Davis Parish, voters will choose between Elisha Neal Duhon, a Republican candidate, and Carolyn King Simon, an independent, for the District A council seat in the city of Jennings.
St. Martin Parish presents voters with two key decisions: a vote on whether the city of St. Martinville should adopt the Lawrason Act form of government, which would switch the local governance structure to a Mayor and Board of Aldermen, and a vote on a bond measure for the St. Martin Parish School District. The bond, which could issue up to $30 million for capital expenditures, would finance improvements and construction of schools and related facilities throughout the parish.
St. Mary Parish voters will consider two propositions. The first seeks the continuation of a 2.79 mills tax for drainage work in the Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 2, while the second is a 2 mills tax renewal for Fire Protection District No. 1 to fund fire protection facilities, trucks, and other necessary equipment.
For those who missed the early voting period, absentee ballots can still be requested until April 29 at 4:30 p.m. and must be returned by May 2 at 4:30 p.m. To view a sample ballot or learn more about voting options, residents can access the GeauxVote app or visit the voter portal.
Voters experiencing issues at the polls or with their ballots can call the Elections Hotline at 800-883-2805, or email the Elections Division at [email protected]. In addition, those with concerns about polling place accessibility can reach the Elections ADA Compliance Officer at [email protected].
As Election Day draws closer, parish officials are hoping for an increase in turnout. However, with the limited number of races and propositions on the ballot, it remains to be seen whether the trend of low voter engagement will continue.