NEW ORLEANS — The presidential race always drives Louisiana voters to the polls, but there are other big races to watch.
WWL Louisiana Political Analyst, Clancy Dubos, said all eyes will be on the US Representative races. Specifically, the Sixth District.
”It was drawn politically for state senator Cleo Fields, but he going to have opposition. Black and possibly white opposition as well," Dubos said.
The Sixth District was created to meet a legal requirement that Louisiana have two majority Black districts. SCOTUS recently upheld the law.
If a Democrat wins the seat, Dubos said it could narrow the Republican majority in the US House.
”They’ve only got a three or four-member majority, and one of those members is Garrett Graves who's not running again, and that district is almost destined to flip from Democrat to Republican which narrows the Republican majority in the house even further. So, it’s a race that’s going to get a lot of attention both within the district and across the state but even nationally," Dubos said.
It comes as Congressman Troy Carter, who represents the New Orleans area, is also up for re-election. Dubos expects Carter to face opposition from other Democrats.
“That could potentially create some interesting politics there. Although I will say Carter not only gets a very strong vote out of African American precincts but white support too. I think politically ultimately, he’ll be in good shape, but nothing’s ever sure until it happens and that’s why we have elections," Dubos said.
While Louisiana voters will choose the next President in November, it's a primary for the congressional race.
Still, voter turnout should be high, which is good news for other races on the ballot. Including, the Orleans Parish School Board.
To follow who qualifies for your ballot, visit https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/candidateinquiry.
The window to qualify closes on Friday.
Important Dates:
Deadline to register to vote in-person or by mail is Oct. 7.
You can use the Geaux Vote system to register until Oct. 15.
Early voting is Oct. 18-29.
The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is Nov. 1.