Could you tell me in what instances a registered Republican voter can and cannot vote for a Democratic candidate if they so choose?

“All qualified voters of this state may vote on candidates for public office in primary and general elections without regard to the voter’s party affiliation or lack of it, and all candidates for public office who qualify for a primary or general election may be voted on without regard to the candidate’s party affiliation or lack of it,” reads Louisiana R.S. 18:401.

The statute counts as primary and general elections those that we use to pick members of Congress and to fill “all the elective offices in this state,” except parties’ Electoral College representatives.

Non-affiliated voters have no say in a party’s selection of presidential electors, and they aren’t allowed to cast ballots in the presidential preference primary unless one of the parties involved opens the election to them.

The state recognizes several political parties, but only the Democratic and Republican parties have the requisite number of registered members — 40,000 or more — to hold a presidential primary. The election will be March 5.

Members of the two parties may vote on presidential candidates and party committee posts, along with any local government races or propositions included on the ballot.

“All other voters may vote only for any local offices and/or propositions if any are on the ballot in the parish,” reads a Secretary of State’s Office handout on the primary.

“There are no runoff elections for the Democratic and Republican offices. A general election is held only if local offices are on the ballot and no one receives a majority vote in the primary election.”

Qualifying for the presidential primary runs Dec. 2-4, and the last day to register to vote in the election is Feb. 3.

Online: www.sos.la.gov.

No man camp going up at MB trailer park

At what used to be the Pine Haven trailer park in Moss Bluff, they are now putting identical mobile homes or trailers of some sort in that park with no signs up or anything else. Is this going to be a man camp?

No.

“This location is not going to be a ‘man camp,’ ” Wes Crain, parish planning and development director, said in a statement forwarded to The Informer.

“The new owner decided to upgrade the park and provide all new manufactured homes. All necessary parish permits have been obtained for this project to move forward.”

The property, at 2019 Sam Houston Jones Parkway, was sold for $600,000 at the end of last year, and the residents were evicted a month later.

Online: www.cppj.net.

 

CPSB: Raises reflected in first paycheck

We voted for a raise for our teachers and support workers. Why is the Calcasieu Parish School Board not giving these people the raise? They actually have to wait until the anniversary date when they were hired to be able to get the raise that they are due.

Why is this being done? This was not in the terms of the agreement when we voted for the raise.

“The Calcasieu Parish School Board adopted the 2015-16 salary schedules with the new salary increases, which began taking effect in July,” Kirby Smith, school system spokeswoman, wrote in an email.

“The raises will be reflected in each employee’s first paycheck of the 2015-16 fiscal year. Just as they always have, pay cycles determine whether an employee’s first paycheck of the year is in July, August or September. Employees will not have to wait until an anniversary date to see the raise.”

Online: www.cpsb.org.

The Informer answers questions from readers each Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. It is researched and written by Andrew Perzo, an American Press staff writer. To ask a question, call 494-4098 and leave voice mail, or email informer@americanpress.com.

(MGNonline)