SW La. heads to the polls today

Published 5:02 am Saturday, November 13, 2021

It’s Election Day in Southwest Louisiana, including a statewide ballot for four constitutional amendments.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In addition to the amendments, ballot items include a special election for the state Senate District 27 seat and sales tax renewals for the parishwide Calcasieu Law Enforcement District and the town of Iowa.

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Candidates for the Senate race include Jeremy Stine and Jacob “Jake” Shaheen, both Republicans, and Dustin Granger, a Democrat. Former senator Ronnie Johns vacated the District 27 seat after he was appointed chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.

The Calcasieu Law Enforcement District renewal is a quarter-cent sales tax and would be in effect for 10 years, starting Oct. 1, 2023. It is expected to generate $16.2 million annually. The funds would pay for maintaining deputy salaries, future drug education programs, operations for the Calcasieu Parish jail and other expenses.

The town of Iowa renewal is a half-cent sales tax that would be for 10 years, starting July 1, 2022. It would generate an estimated $430,669 annually. It would pay for flood control maintenance and improvements, economic development activities, and capital improvements and maintenance to the town hall and town park.

Sample ballots, polling locations and precinct information can be found on the GeauxVote app or online at geauxvote.com, or voterportal.sos.la.gov.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin said polling commissioners will be provided personal protective equipment to protect against the spread of COVID-19. Voting machines will be wiped down after each voter casts their ballot. Hand sanitizer will be available, and while face masks aren’t required, they are recommended.

Voters should bring their driver’s license, a Louisiana special ID or a generally recognized photo ID that includes their signature. Digital licenses through the LA Wallet app are acceptable.