This year will be the first election under Louisiana’s new closed primary law.
To vote in a party primary, a registered voter must be affiliated with that party. Only registered Republicans can vote in the Republican primary and the same is true for registered Democrats voting only in the Democratic primary.
Voters who have registered as “No Party” can decide which primary to vote in. However, a voter cannot vote for a Democrat in one race and a Republican in another race during the primary.
The primary elections are on May 16.
There will be an open seat at the Public Service Commission (PSC) next year. Current local commissioner Foster Campbell is term out and cannot seek re-election.
Democrat Shreveport councilman James Green has qualified for the Public Service Commission (PSC). Auston Lawson, a Bossier resident, has also qualified for this primary.
Caddo Commissioner John Atkins started his campaign for this seat last year. Aiden Joyner. a Monroe resident, has also qualified for the Republican primary.
The general election for this PSC seat is Nov. 3.
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.