Louisiana Early Voting Surges 38% Ahead of Midterms
More than 520,000 Louisiana voters cast early ballots for the November 3 midterms, marking a significant increase in Black and Democratic turnout.
Early voting for Louisiana's November 3 midterm election concluded with 520,942 ballots cast, a 38% increase over the 2022 midterms. Data from the Louisiana Secretary of State and the University of Florida Election Lab show registered Democrats cast approximately 16,000 more early ballots than Republicans, with Democrats accounting for 42% of the total and Republicans 39%. Independent voters saw the most significant growth, increasing by 65% since 2022.
Jamie Davis, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, held a rally in New Orleans featuring former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to capitalize on the surge. Black early voting rose by approximately 83% statewide, accounting for 34% of early ballots, with turnout more than doubling in Calcasieu Parish. Democratic organizers credit targeted precinct strategies and the Davis candidacy for this increase. In contrast, Republican candidate Julia Letlow concluded a 64-parish statewide tour and remains the favorite in the Senate race, despite refusing to debate Davis.
While early figures favor Democrats, analysts note that Republicans historically show stronger turnout on Election Day. Republican Party Chairman Derek Babcock and Democratic Party Executive Director Dadrius Lanus both urged their respective bases to avoid complacency. Local officials expect heavy turnout and long lines on Election Day, particularly in East Baton Rouge Parish, which recorded the highest early engagement.
