Voters began turning up at polls early today

Voters began turning up early this morning to cast their ballots, Jolene Holcombe, St. Mary registrar of voters, said.
“I think they’re up and about early and casting ballots,” Holcombe said.
She indicated her office had gotten numerous phone calls by 8 a.m. from precinct commissioners seeking assistance in locating where voters are supposed vote.
Voters can check their polling place by using the GeauxVote Mobile app for smartphones or by visiting www.sos.la.gov. Sample ballots and real-time election results also can be viewed in both places.
Voters should bring a photo identification with them to vote (Louisiana driver’s license, Louisiana special identification card or another generally recognized picture identification card with name and signature such as a passport). Voters without an ID will be required to fill out an affidavit, but will be allowed to vote.
Polls close at 8 p.m. Anyone in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
Secretary of State Tom Schedler said sample ballots also can be reviewed by downloading the GeauxVote Mobile app for smartphones or by visiting www.sos.la.gov.
Election results can be viewed in real-time via the GeauxVote Mobile app and the Secretary of State’s website, www.sos.la.gov.
“We anticipate a strong turnout on Tuesday across the state,” Schedler said in a news release. “This is an election like no other for Louisiana in terms of the size of the election, the anticipated turnout and the national media attention surrounding our U.S. Senate race. I encourage everyone to go exercise their right to vote and to educate themselves on the candidates and the issues before going to the polls so we can minimize wait times. Every vote counts, so Geaux Vote!”
Over 3,000 St. Mary residents already have cast their ballots for Tuesday’s election.
As of Tuesday, the final day of early voting, 1,591 Democrats voted; 1,034 Republicans have voted; and 443 no party voters have cast ballots. A total of 2,175 white voters have cast ballots; 838 black voters have cast ballots; and 55 voters of other races have cast ballots. Voters were divided between 1,414 men and 1,654 women.
Comparing the final tally of early voting for the Nov. 4 election to the same day of voting for Oct. 22, 2011, voting is a bit slower this year with 3,068 votes cast.
The two elections had a comparable slate of state and local candidates on the ballot.
According to information provided by Holcombe, there were 368 more votes cast in 2011 than this year.
There are 33,498 registered voters in St. Mary Parish. Of them, Holcombe said there are 16,441 Democrats, 8,130 Republicans and 8,927 registered as something other than the two major parties.
The following issues are on the ballot in St. Mary Parish:
—United States Senator.
—United States Representative, 3rd Congressional District.
—Judge, 16th Judicial District, Election Section 1, Division G & H.
—Judge, 16th Judicial District, Election Section 2, Division A.
—Justice of the Peace, Wards 2, 5, 7, 8 and 10.
—Constable, Wards 4, 5, 9 and 10.
—Mayor, Town of Baldwin.
—Aldermen, Town of Baldwin (five to be elected).
—Chief of Police, Town of Baldwin.
—Mayor, Town of Berwick.
—Councilmen, Town of Berwick (five to be elected).
—Mayor, City of Patterson.
—Councilmembers, City of Patterson (five to be elected).
—Chief of Police, City of Patterson.
—St. Mary Parish School Board Member, District 9.
—Constitutional Amendments (14).
—Parishwide Home Rule Charter Amendments Propositions (four).