2.1 million Louisiana voters turned out the vote for the 2020 Presidential election with 69% of registered voters casting their ballots, a slight increase from 2016. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is very pleased with how the process went despite the challenges of a pandemic and three hurricanes.

“Ninety-two percent of all people voted in person, whether it was early voting or election day. We had a record number of absentee ballots, over a hundred 167,000,” said Ardoin.

While the nation awaits results from six swing states to decide the fate of the presidential election Ardoin is extremely proud of his staff for their timely work. A key factor for prompt results in this election was the ability to begin prepping a record number of absentee ballots four days in advance.

“Then our parish boards, those with well over 1,000 started counting early in the morning on election day and didn’t stop until it was finished. I just give them a big pat on the back,” said Ardoin.

It was a late night for election officials in Louisiana but compared to other states somewhat early, staff finished counting at 1 am this morning.

Ardoin and staff are now preparing for the December 5th runoff for the 5th congressional district, a constitutional amendment on the ballot, and several others.

“We have a Public Service Commission race on the ballot, the East Baton Rouge Parish-Mayor President’s race on the ballot as well, numerous judicial races and some DA runoffs,” said Ardoin.

And today is the last day to register to vote for the December 5th runoff. Early voting will return to seven days and normal hours or 8:30 am until 6 pm, but the COVID absentee ballot request remains in place.

(Story written by Brooke Thorington/Louisiana Radio Network)

More From News Talk 96.5 KPEL