Parish voters must adjust to new district

Many voters in St. Charles Parish this year will have to adjust themselves to voting in a new Congressional district. On Nov. 6, those on the West Bank will go to the polls to elect a congressman for the newly redrawn Second Congressional District, which will stretch along the Mississippi River from New Orleans to northern Baton Rouge. Those on the East Bank will vote for the Sixth District congressman.

Incumbent for the Second District at present is U. S. Rep. Cedric Richmond from New Orleans. Congressman for the Sixth District is Bill Cassidy of Baton Rouge.

Up to now, most of the West Bank was in the Third Congressional District which is moving westward toward the Texas border and is being replaced by part of the Second District, which previously was mainly in New Orleans.

Population change is the reason for realigning the districts. The state lost one congressman in the last census which has to be spread out among the districts. Unfortunately, it caused more changes in congressional representation in the mid-section of south Louisiana where we are.

But it is part of our democratic system and gives fairly equal representation to our citizens. Residents should learn about the candidates running in their districts and what they will do if elected.

And then make sure to vote on election day. Democracy works only if the people take part in it.