Louisiana early voting numbers surge, Democrats and independents see higher turnout

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Data shows more than half a million voters participated in early voting in Louisiana.

The final tally of early voting in Louisiana by the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office shows 520,942 people voted in this year’s midterm election. That is a 38% increase from the midterms in 2022, when 377,428 voters cast early ballots.

An Orleans Parish election official said the turnout so far is impressive.

“I think people are coming out in this big number because what is happening in our country is monumental, and people typically turn out more during midterms and presidential elections in general. So, everyone wants to exercise their right to vote,” said Chelsey Napoleon, Orleans Parish Clerk of Court.

Dillard University political analyst Dr. Robert Collins said the early numbers seem to reflect a higher enthusiasm for this election, especially among Democrats and Black voters.

“I think a lot of people feel that the Black voters in Louisiana feel under attack. When people feel under attack, that’s when they get more involved in the political process,” said Robert Collins, Ph.D., political analyst at Dillard University.

According to the University of Florida’s Election Lab, 42% of early voters were registered Democrats, 39% were registered Republicans, and 18% had no party affiliation. Turnout among independent voters saw the biggest growth from 2022, jumping 65%. Robert Collins said that should help Democrats.

“Generally speaking, this would favor Democratic candidates, African American candidates. Of course, we know that the state of Louisiana is a very red state; we’re not a swing state. And so that’s why the inflated numbers in Louisiana are not getting the same amount of publicity that they’re getting in some other swing states,” said Dr. Collins.

Despite the national blue wave of wins some political pundits have predicted, Dr. Collins said Louisiana’s red status will likely be insulated, and the major senate race between Republican Julia Letlow and Democrat Jamie Davis still leans toward the GOP.

“Julia Letlow obviously remains the prohibitive favorite, but I think just the fact that you see these inflated numbers, I think the race could be closer than some people think,” said Collins.

Another political analyst said as heavy hitters from both parties are crisscrossing the country to drive support for certain races, they’re mostly bypassing Louisiana, including the President.

“You’ll note that Donald Trump didn’t visit Louisiana. He’s visiting Mississippi and other southern states. So, they feel that this state is safely in the Republican column,” said Ed Chervenak, political analyst with LSU New Orleans.

While more Democrats may have cast early ballots, Republicans historically turn out in stronger numbers on Election Day. That remains the expectation for Louisiana on Nov. 3.

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