Early voting numbers higher than in 2020 election
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- It's been nearly one week since early voting started. So far, more people are voting early in Louisiana than in the last presidential election.
Secretary of State's Deputy Secretary for Communications Joel Watson said 38% of total votes came from early voting in 2020. The Secretary of State's Office predicts 40 to 45% of total votes will come from early voting this year.
"Statewide, we are seeing a 10% increase in in-person, early voting," Watson said. "In the Lafayette area alone, we're seeing about a 14% increase in in-person early voting."
In 2020, 986,428 people in Louisiana voted early. So far, in this election, 519,304 people in Louisiana have voted early.
Also happening in Louisiana this election, more Republicans than Democrats are voting early. In 2020, more Democrats than Republicans voted early. In Lafayette Parish, more Republicans than Democrats are voting early this year and in 2020.
"In 2020, those who are registered Democrats accounted for about 45% of the electorate through five days of early voting," Watson said. "This year, we're seeing that flip, and about 45% of the electorate over five days of early voting this year is Republican."
Watson said early voting is not necessarily an indication of higher overall turnout, just an indication of a change in voting patterns.
"For this year, for instance, we're seeing a higher in-person early voting number, but we expect turn out to be around about the same as we saw in 2020, which was around 70%," Watson said.
Last presidential election, about 70% of Louisiana registered voters participated in the election.
One Lafayette couple is making sure more voters participate in this election.
Chad and Jennifer Landry are driving voters to the Lafayette polls to make sure the community continues casting ballots.
"We're giving free rides to vote because we want people to know that their voice matters," Chad Landry said.
"We want to make it easy and accessible for people to get out and vote because, throughout the years, a lot of people have went through a lot of pain, turmoil, trials, tribulations, incarceration to fight for people to get these rights to vote. So we must exercise our rights," he continued.
Landry said their goal is to allow everyone's voice to be heard.
The Landry's are driving Lafayette residents to any of the voting polls during early voting and on Election Day. To receive a ride, call them at (337) 304-6860.
Latest News
- Lafayette City Council approves resolution for Fire and Police Civil Service Board requirement exception
- Mother speaks after all four of son's alleged killers are captured: 'I'm still fighting for justice'
- Vince McMahon, WWE accused of ignoring sexual abuse of boys
- Dr. Pimple Popper accepting new patients in Shreveport-Bossier; here's how to apply
- JD Vance town hall: Here's the transcript