With Election Day just days away, New Orleans voters should brace themselves for a wave of political advertising.
UNO pollster and political analyst Dr. Ed Chervenak says the final week is when campaigns pull out all the stops to reach their supporters.
“This is the week when candidates drive their messaging home,” he said. “You’ll see, hear, and read everything they’ve got through TV, radio, internet ads, and plenty of signage around the city.”
He says campaigns are now focused on turning out their bases rather than trying to win over undecided voters. “At this point, it’s about energizing supporters and making sure they show up at the polls,” Chervenak said.
And while voters can expect a surge in messaging, Chervenak doesn’t anticipate much more negativity in the final stretch.
“I don’t expect much in the way of mudslinging,” he said. “The numbers haven’t changed much, so last-minute attacks probably wouldn’t prove fruitful.”
Chervenak says instead, campaigns will rely on visibility and motivation — a last push to keep their names front and center before voters make their final decisions.
“This is the sprint to the finish line,” he added. “And for most candidates, it’s about making sure their supporters don’t stay home.”