By Bonnie Culverhouse
Early voting kicks off Saturday and runs through October 7 (excluding Sunday). Voters are encouraged to visit www.geauxvote.com to review voting locations and a sample ballot, keeping in mind that due to redistricting, some may be voting for different senators.
Those running for State Senator for 36th Senatorial District are Republicans Adam Bass and incumbent Robert Mills.
Parishwide, Assessor Denise Edwards is defending her position against Sharon Duncan.
Several police jury seats are up for grabs.
District 3 is Democrat Patricia A. McMurray and incumbent Republic Daniel G. Thomas.
District 5 has four candidates: Republican Mike Griffith, and Democrats George Rice, Cynt Walker and Willie Robinson.
District 8 shows Independent Nancy Hines running against Democrat Winky Newer.
In District 10, Democrats Johnny Kennon and Latanya Grigsby are facing Republican Darrell Morris.
Running for Town of Cullen Alderman are Democrat Lacandy Gipson and No Party Terry Lewis.
There are four amendments on the October 14 ballot. The following descriptions are provided by Public Affairs Research Council (PAR).
Amendment 1:
“Do you support an amendment to prohibit the use of funds, goods or services from a foreign government or a nongovernmental source to conduct elections and election functions and duties unless the use is authorized by the secretary of state through policies established in accordance with law?”
A vote FOR would prohibit use of funds and resources from a foreign government or a nongovernmental source to conduct elections.
A vote AGAINST would maintain current law, allowing resources and monies from foreign governments or nongovernmental sources to be used to conduct elections.
Amendment 2:
”Do you support an amendment to provide that the freedom of worship in a church or other place of worship is a fundamental right that is worthy of the highest order of protection?”
A vote FOR would provide that the freedom of worship in a church or other place of worship is a fundamental right worthy of the highest order of protection.
A vote AGAINST would uphold present law, which states that no law shall be enacted respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise there of.
Amendment 3:
“Do you support an amendment to require that a minimum of twenty-five percent of any money designated as nonrecurring state revenue be applied toward the balance of the unfunded accrued liability of the state retirement systems?”
A vote FOR would require the legislature to appropriate a minimum of 25 percent of nonrecurring revenue to the Unfunded Accrued Liability (UAL) of the four state retirement systems.
A vote AGAINST would continue current law that requires of minimum of 10 percent of nonrecurring state revenue to the UAL of LASERS (LA State Employees Retirement System) and TRSL (Teachers Retirement System of LA).
Amendment 4:
“Do you support an amendment to deny a property tax exemption to a non- profit corporation or association that owns residential property in such a state of disrepair that it endangers public health or safety?”
A vote FOR would allow for denial of a tax exemption for property owned by a nonprofit corporation or association and leased as housing if the property is found by a local governing authority to be in such a state of disrepair that it endangers public health of safety.
A vote AGAINST would continue to allow an exemption fro taxation for property owned by a nonprofit corporation or association organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes, dedicated places of burial, charitable purposes, purposes relating to health and welfare, fraternal purposes or educational purposes, regardless of conditions.
