The Louisiana Legislature in the recent special session moved the elections for April 18 and May 30 of next year to a May 16 primary and general election to June 27.
This measure was passed along party lines. Gov. Landy and the Republican are hopeful that the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the state’s current congressional map will be rendered before these new dates.
The new dates are not welcome news to the candidates in the Public Service Commission election to replace Foster Campbell who is termed out.
The extra weeks drag out campaigns that have already kicked off, adding also a month of blood, sweat and tears for the candidates and their supporters. Additionally, the new dates will push back qualifying which will allow more potential candidates to jump into the race.
The new dates will most likely have an adverse impact on voter turnout, which is always a challenge. The new primary date is the day AFTER the last day of school for public schools. The general election date is the Saturday before July 4th.
The Public Service Commission race is very important to northwest Louisiana. The new election dates are not conducive to respectable voter participation.in this key election.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.