LA SECRETARY OF STATE: With the November 6th election day fast approaching, the race for Louisiana’s Secretary of State appears to be heating up. The crowded field has dropped from 9 candidates to 6 as those remaining hopefuls appeared in a political forum last night in the Reilly Center for Media and Public Affairs at LSU’s Manship School of Mass Communications in Baton Rouge.
The forum’s agenda focused on questions concerning Louisiana’s ballot system, improving voter turnout, and using social media platforms to make voters more aware of local elections. Acting Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin encouraged young people to vote, explaining how college students can vote under current voter I.D. requirements.
“We also passed legistlation to allow your student I.D., if it has a picture and signature, toallow you to participate in the election” said Ardoin.
Candidates also talked about their wish to protect a citizen’s right to vote. State Representative Julie Stokes stressed voter education, to check voter fraud by getting more contact information from voters. She also seaid she wouldn’t exploit constituents for a political agenda.
"One thing I'm not going to do is to play politics with your right to vote, ever” Stokes explained.
Although the event was a forum and not a debate, still some candidates managed to include a few digs at their opponents in their remarks. In his closing remarks, Ardoin seemed to be directing his comments towards Stokes who unsuccessfully ran for state treasurer in 2017 but dropped out when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
”This office is not about whether you're a CPA, or voitng yes or no on taxes," Ardoin explained. "This office is about protecting elections.”
With election day a week away, the sleepy Louisiana Secretary of State’s race is expected to be more combative.
BALLOT ISSUES: In addition to choosing a new Secretary of State, Louisiana voters will decide on members of Congress, as well as judgeships, and local mayoral and city council seats up for grabs in a number of cities. There are six amendments on the ballot, one that has drawn national attention is Amendment 2 which, if passed—would require unanimous jury verdicts in all felony cases. As of now, Louisiana is one of two states that allow split juries in all felony trials except for capitol penalty cases; a policy rooted in the Jim Crow-era as a means to perpetuate white supremacy.
Over the next few days, Red River Radio News will be focusing on Louisiana amendments on the ballot.
