Early voting for Louisiana’s May 16 election began Saturday amid widespread confusion after Gov. Jeff Landry canceled U.S. House races Thursday, one day following a Supreme Court ruling declaring the state’s House district map unconstitutional.
Secretary of State Nancy Landry announced votes in House races won’t be counted, yet ballots still listed candidates and mail-in ballots were already distributed, according to the Louisiana Illuminator. Voters remained uncertain whether their House votes would count, with some voting out of habit or precaution.
Landry’s decision to postpone an election without a natural disaster or health crisis justification is unprecedented in Louisiana.
The state previously proceeded with House races after courts ruled districts unconstitutional in 2022, according to reporting by Louisiana Illuminator.
Republican officials justify the cancellation by citing the Supreme Court’s sweeping decision. The move allows Republican legislators to redraw districts, eliminating majority-Black seats before new elections.
Multiple lawsuits challenge the governor’s authority, with additional court decisions expected within days, according to The Advocate.
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