Absentee, early voting coming up for Oct. 24 election primary

As the Oct. 24 election primary fast approaches, St. Charles Parish voters can opt to vote early Saturday, Oct. 10, and Oct. 12 – 17.

Parish Registrar of Voters Brian Champagne said he hopes to see more than 50 percent turnout of registered voters in the election. His office has mailed 400 early ballots, although Champagne anticipated the number could hit 500.

The October 2011 election drew 2,600 early and absentee voters of the parish’s 15,435 turnout of registered voters.

Anyone can vote early on the assigned dates by going to the St. Charles Parish Courthouse and the Allen Arterbury Building from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the specified dates.

Champagne advised voters should come prepared by knowing candidates and the four constitutional amendments on the ballot.

Voters can also vote by mail, but must have a reason to be eligible to do it, unless a military or overseas voter.

Anyone 65 years of age or older or are disabled, can enroll in the Senior Citizen or Disability Program through the parish registrar of voters.

Four candidates are running for parish president: Larry Cochran, D-St. Rose, John Cornwell, D-Luling, Terry Authement, R-Boutte, and Carolyn K. Schexnaydre, R-Destrehan.

Cochran is currently District IV councilman and Schexnaydre serves as council at-large Division A representative.

Races with opposition include:

Clerk of Court – Incumbent Lance Marino, R-Norco, and Sonny Savoie, D-Paradis

Parish Council

Division A at large – Incumbent Wendy Benedetto, R-Destrehan, and Erick St. Amant, R-Destrehan

Division B at large – Paul Hogan, R-Des Allemands, and Jarvis Lewis, D-Luling

District 1 – Milton Allemand Jr. of Hahnville, No party, and Terrell Wilson, D-Hahnville

District 2 – Mary Keller Clulee, R-Luling, Monique Gros, R-Luling, and Bryce Steinlage, R-Luling

District 3 – Dick Gibbs, R-Destrehan, and Webb Jay IV, R-Destrehan

District 4 – Oliver George Dufrene Jr., D-Paradis, and William “Billy” Woodruff, R-Des Allemands

District 5 – Keith Adams, D-St. Rose; Marilyn Bellock, D-St. Rose, and Bobby Ducote, R-St. Rose

District 6 – Traci Ackerman-Fletcher of Norco, No Party, and Keith Schexnayder, D-Norco

Justice of the Peace (District 1)- Edna Campbell Bridges, D-Hahnville, and Aleshia Smith, D-Hahnville.