Terrebonne Oct. 4 elections delayed

Because of damage resulting from hurricanes Gustav and Ike, elections in Terrebonne Parish for Houma city marshal; justices of the peace in Wards 5, 8 and 9; constables in Wards 1 and 5, and the District 6 council seat are being moved from Saturday, Oct. 4, to Tuesday, Nov. 4, the same date as the U.S. presidential election.

Gov. Bobby Jindal signed an executive order Thursday officially moving the election.

Terrebonne Parish already scheduled numerous lighting and fire district elections on Nov. 4 to coincide with the presidential election. Those elections will still be held on Nov. 4 in addition to the others.

Louisiana Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and the Clerk of Court and Registrar of Voters in Terrebonne were concerned about flooding at polling places, according to a Louisiana Department of State release. They were also unsure of the ability of evacuated residents to return in time.

“I visited Terrebonne Parish this week and saw firsthand the devastation caused by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike and I concur with the local officials’ recommendation to move these elections,” Dardenne said.

Runoffs, if needed, would be held on Saturday, Dec. 6. Polling places will be open for both election days from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Early voting for the Nov. 4 election will be Oct. 21 to Oct. 28. If needed, early voting for the Dec. 6 election will take place from Nov. 18 to Nov. 25.

Only Terrebonne and Cameron parishes had to postpone elections because of the hurricanes.

Voters can go to www.GeauxVote.com for more information on the change of election dates as well as a rundown of candidates.