Our Views: Go to polls and vote
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Among the more encouraging signs of civic engagement this year has been the high number of people registering to vote. High numbers of people participating in early voting also suggest a high turnout for today’s election. That’s good news in a country where low voter turnout routinely demonstrates that citizens are taking democracy for granted.
The high level of voter interest in today’s election stems from the contest between U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, an Illinois Democrat, and U.S. Sen. John McCain, an Arizona Republican, for the presidency of the United States.
Besides this important race, East Baton Rouge Parish voters will decide the fate of a tax proposal that would fund a major bond issue for Baton Rouge public facilities. Voters also will vote on seven proposed amendments to the state constitution.
Additionally, today’s election includes a 6th District congressional race in which U.S. Rep. Don Cazayoux, the Democrat who now holds the seat, faces state Sen. William Cassidy, the Republican challenger, and state Rep. Michael Jackson, an independent.
Numerous Metro Council races and some judicial races also are on area ballots.
Polls are open today from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you are standing in line by 8 p.m., you must be allowed to vote. Officials expect high turnout for today’s election, with the possibility of longer-than-usual lines at some polling stations. In spite of that possibility, we don’t want voters to be discouraged from going to the polls.
Voters should take a driver’s license, Louisiana Special ID or some other generally recognized picture ID. Voters who do not bring a picture ID and bring only a utility bill, payroll check or government document with their name and address will have to sign an affidavit in order to vote. Voters who experience problems with voting can call their local parish Registrar of Voters Office, which will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. today.
The phone number for the East Baton Rouge Parish Registrar of Voters is (225) 389-3940.
Here are The Advocate’s positions on the East Baton Rouge Parish tax/bond proposal and the proposed constitutional amendments on today’s ballot.
The Advocate has explained its positions on these issues in previous editorials. Those positions can be reviewed in greater detail at our Web site, http://www.2theadvocate.com.
The larger point is that all elections are important opportunities for people to help chart the future of their communities and their nation.
We encourage voters to go to the polls today and cast an informed vote.
The high level of voter interest in today’s election stems from the contest between U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, an Illinois Democrat, and U.S. Sen. John McCain, an Arizona Republican, for the presidency of the United States.
Besides this important race, East Baton Rouge Parish voters will decide the fate of a tax proposal that would fund a major bond issue for Baton Rouge public facilities. Voters also will vote on seven proposed amendments to the state constitution.
Additionally, today’s election includes a 6th District congressional race in which U.S. Rep. Don Cazayoux, the Democrat who now holds the seat, faces state Sen. William Cassidy, the Republican challenger, and state Rep. Michael Jackson, an independent.
Numerous Metro Council races and some judicial races also are on area ballots.
Polls are open today from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you are standing in line by 8 p.m., you must be allowed to vote. Officials expect high turnout for today’s election, with the possibility of longer-than-usual lines at some polling stations. In spite of that possibility, we don’t want voters to be discouraged from going to the polls.
Voters should take a driver’s license, Louisiana Special ID or some other generally recognized picture ID. Voters who do not bring a picture ID and bring only a utility bill, payroll check or government document with their name and address will have to sign an affidavit in order to vote. Voters who experience problems with voting can call their local parish Registrar of Voters Office, which will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. today.
The phone number for the East Baton Rouge Parish Registrar of Voters is (225) 389-3940.
Here are The Advocate’s positions on the East Baton Rouge Parish tax/bond proposal and the proposed constitutional amendments on today’s ballot.
The Advocate has explained its positions on these issues in previous editorials. Those positions can be reviewed in greater detail at our Web site, http://www.2theadvocate.com.
- East Baton Rouge Parish Tax/Bond issue — Yes.
- Amendment 1: Term limits for members of state boards and commissions — No.
- Amendment 2: Time limits for calling special sessions of the Legislature — Yes.
- Amendment 3: Temporary successors for legislators ordered to active military duty — No.
- Amendment 4: Mineral severance tax allocations to parishes and Atchafalaya Conservation Fund — No.
- Amendment 5: Transfer of special property tax assessment level — Yes.
- Amendment 6: Resale of expropriated property — Yes.
- Amendment 7: Investment of nonpension benefit trusts — Yes.
The larger point is that all elections are important opportunities for people to help chart the future of their communities and their nation.
We encourage voters to go to the polls today and cast an informed vote.
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