The Louisiana Secretary of State's Office says early voting turnout so far has been higher than usual for a spring election. The four constitutional amendments on the ballot are part of the reason why we're seeing a strong voter turnout, and with early voting continuing through Saturday, those numbers certainly will increase.
Still, one political analyst says: don't expect a record-breaking turnout.
"I'm looking at the 15 to 18 percent range," University of Louisiana at Monroe political science professor Pearson Cross said.
Cross notes that his prediction is several points higher than the 11 percent statewide turnout for December's constitutional amendment election. Cross believes that voters who usually show up to cast their ballots are part of the reason why the early voting tally is higher than anticipated.
"So, in these kinds of elections, you get chronic voters," Cross said. "Unless there is a great hue and cry and turnout stays relatively low, I would expect that amendment to pass comfortably."
If turnout figures remain in the teens, Cross says the amendments, including Amendment 2, which rewrites the section of the constitution dedicated to taxation and spending, likely will pass.
"Legislators are strategic about when they put these things on the ballot or when they want them to appear knowing that really low voter turnout will oftentimes favor the proponents rather than the opponents," Cross said.
Early voting continues through tomorrow.