After months of hard campaigning by the candidates, it’s up to the voters now.
Election Day is this Saturday, October 14. Polling places across Washington Parish will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.
In addition to statewide races for governor and other offices, voters will select a new Washington Parish President, a new State Representative, and will decide whether or not to re-elect an incumbent Sheriff and an incumbent State Senator.
Voters in some of the Washington Parish Council Districts will also vote for council members. In some districts, council members were elected automatically when no one filed to run against them.
Washington Parish President Richard Thomas is retiring after serving in office for four terms. Seeking to succeed him are Malinda White, Ryan Seal, Sarah Cook, and David Anthony.
Sherff Randy Seal was first elected in 2011, and his is now seeking re-election to his fourth term. Also running for sheriff are Jason Smith, Scott “Red Dog” Crain, and Kenneth Martin.
State Rep. Malinda White of the 75th District is not seeking re-election. Instead, she is running for Parish President. On the ballot to replace her as State Representative are John Wyble, Perry Talley, and Kelvin May.
State Sen. Beth Mizell is running for her third term. She is opposed by Gloria Kates and Brittany Gondolfi.
Many Washington Parish voters have already cast their ballot during the Early Voting period. Parish Registrar of Voters Randy Strickland said a total of 3,880 parish citizens voted early. Early voting is increasingly popular --- fully 30% of registered parish voters voted early for the Oct. 14 election. For the entire October 14 election, including early voting and Election Day voting, Strickland predicts a turnout of about 56%.
Voting is an important right provided to all citizens. Regardless of who you vote for, please vote.
It was Nanette Avery who said, “Talk is cheap; voting is free. Take it to the polls.”
Another important election quote came from former President Barack Obama: “There is no such thing as a vote that doesn’t matter.”
