Darren Lombard, Orleans Parish Chief Elections Officer, is recommending to the resident of House District 93 that they cast their votes this week during early voting or by mail in advance of the February 18, 2023 special election. “Vote early if you can,” Lombard said today. The election is being held to fill the seat in the state House of Representatives that became vacant when then State Rep. Royce Duplessis was elected to the State Senate late last year.  HD 93 includes portions of the French Quarter, CBD/Warehouse District, Lower Garden District, Mid-City, Treme, Central City and portions of the 7th Ward around the Fairgrounds.

Several parades are scheduled to roll on February 19 including Iris, Tucks and Endymion. All those parades will pass through HD 93. The onslaught of parade-related traffic could impact voters’ ability to get to the polls. “We are working to ensure that parking for voters will be available at all 24 polling locations. We have also made an arrangement with Sheriff Susan Hutson for a deputy to be stationed at each location.”

Elections Officer Lombard is still considering whether to move the vote counting process, which usually takes place at Criminal Court, to the Voting Machine Warehouse on Chef Menteur Highway. “We are  working with city and parade leaders to determine if the Criminal Courthouse will be easily accessible when the polls close because of its close proximity to the Endymion parade route.

“Electing a new legislator before the 2023 regular session begins is very important. New Orleans needs a complete delegation to speak on the many important issues the State of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans will face this year. All the polling locations will be secure and fully operating on Election Day. We simply urge those eligible to vote in this race to consider whether it might be easier to cast their ballots early.”