Early voting ends Oct. 31

Statewide early voting for the Nov. 7 election began yesterday and will continue through the end of October.

All voters must bring a picture ID to vote. Sterling Diaz, with the Lafourche Parish Registrar of Voters said if a voter’s address differs from the one on their ID it’s a good idea to bring some proof of your new address to ensure that they are allowed vote in the proper district. He said items such as a water bill, electric bill or rent receipt will suffice.

Ballots across the state will be cast on touch screen polling machines.

All early-voting locations will be open every day except Sunday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. through Oct. 31.

In addition to local issues, voters will decide eight constitutional amendments on the ballots across the state. A detailed explanation of the amendments is available online at the Public Affairs Research Councils Web site at www.la-par.org.

Voters in the 3rd Congressional District will also vote for a representative. Incumbent Charlie Melancon, D-Napoleonville, is running against Sen. Craig Romero, R-New Iberia, Orlangee Breech, a Laplace Democrat, and James Lee Blake, a Franklin Libertarian.

Sample ballots for each district in Terrebonne, Lafourche and St. Mary parishes will be available at each polling location or at the Secretary of State’s Web site at www.sos.louisiana.gov.

Early voting polling locations are:

In Lafourche Parish: 307 W. Fourth St., Thibodaux, and 101 W. 112th St., Galliano.

In Terrebonne Parish: 7856 Main St., Houma.

In St. Mary Parish: 301 3rd St., Morgan City, and 500 Main St., Franklin.