Canceled House races still on ballot, confusing Louisiana voters
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
The ACLU is urging Louisianans to vote in U.S. House races as legal challenges to the canceled elections move through the courts.
Why it matters: The House candidates remain on the ballot for early voting, even though Gov. Jeff Landry canceled congressional elections last week.
The big picture: Landry's decision is causing confusion that could lead to fewer people casting ballots, says Sarah Brannon, the deputy director of the ACLU Voting Rights Projects.
- That's especially concerning in Louisiana, which already has low voter turnout, says Ashley Shelton, the president and CEO of Power Coalition for Equity and Justice.
- In response, they're urging voters to cast ballots early in all the races.
- "This is all still being litigated, and what we can do is vote our entire ballot, no matter what the governor has said," Shelton says.
The latest: Shelton and other voter rights advocates on Monday said they are challenging Landry's justification for canceling the primary — which he called an "electoral emergency."
- Added state Sen. Royce Duplessis, "This is not a natural disaster. This is not an emergency. ... It's shameful, it's irresponsible and it's reckless."
- The ACLU and various candidates have asked the courts to let the election proceed, arguing the next election can use the redrawn maps.
The other side: Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill, in a statement, say the state is legally prevented from holding elections with the current map because the U.S. Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional.
The intrigue: The ACLU says early votes in the U.S. House race could still count if the court blocks Landry's decision.
Zoom in: Early voting is happening now for the May 16 primaries. Some races are closed, meaning you must be registered with a party or choose one as an unaffiliated voter.
- Statewide, voters are deciding on constitutional amendments.
- In Orleans, Jefferson and St. Tammany parishes, voters also have Senate, House, BESE, Public Service Commission and court races.
- Kenner and Slidell residents have mayoral, council and police chief races.
- See your sample ballot.
What's next: State lawmakers could take up redistricting this month, after the Supreme Court on Monday fast-tracked its Callais decision, allowing it to go into effect immediately instead of waiting the usual 32 days.
- Louisiana currently has two majority Black districts. Lawmakers are likely to reduce that number.
- Duplessis on Monday said he won't entertain any map options that don't include two majority Black districts.
- But Republicans have the majority in the state Legislature, so it's not a battle he's likely to win.