Lafayette Consolidated Government has governed the city of Lafayette and the unincorporated portions of the parish for 15 years.

On Oct. 22, voters will decide if that government should continue or if it should be scrapped in favor of separate governments for both the city and the parish.

Deconsolidation proponents say a "Yes" vote will give the city of Lafayette more autonomy and control of its own destiny while giving the parish a government dedicated to its needs.

The  opponents argue that voting "No" lets a successful government continue, avoiding a painful and costly governmental split.

Regardless of what voters decide, the government can't change shape before 2016 because state law prohibits cutting short the term of any elected official.

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