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• Ballot items on tap Saturday in some Acadiana communities

  May 2, 2013 6:12 PM

  Voters in several Acadiana parishes will go to the polls to decide whether or not they want to fund a variety of projects, from hospitals in St. Mary Parish to education programs and new school construction in St. Martin, from improved drainage in Vermilion to police and fire services in... more »

• Pope's Election Process is Detailed & Strict Play Video

  February 28, 2013 7:18 PM

  With the Pope officially retired, thousands around the world are watching and waiting for the papal conclave to begin. "It's quite exciting in anticipation of what on earth and what in heaven is going to happen." News of the Pope's retirement has surprised Catholics, but Monsignor Richard Greene... more »

• St. Tammany school board sets bond issue election

  February 22, 2013 9:31 AM

  COVINGTON, La. (AP) - The St. Tammany Parish School Board has called a May 4 election seeking voter approval for a $135 million bond issue and expanding use of some tax money to include employee salaries and benefits. School leaders said the measures are necessary to support teachers in the... more »

• State panel approves Lafayette parks tax election

  December 21, 2012 8:46 AM

  LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) - The State Bond Commission has voted to approve an April 6 vote in the city of Lafayette on a property tax increase to support the struggling Parks and Recreation Department. The Advertiser reports the department stands to gain an estimated $6.5 million annually if voters approve... more »

• Investigators Suspect Fire is Politically Motivated Play Video

  November 8, 2012 10:48 PM

  A Leonville business burns to the ground; police say it could be arson and politically motivated. That fire happened early Wednesday morning. The flames broke out just hours after election results came in adding fuel to the fire that it was politically motivated. "It was completely down by... more »

• How Much Does Your Vote Count? Play Video

  November 5, 2012 11:09 PM

  With so much on the line, it is said that every vote counts. But is that really the case? While most people will tell you they're focused on the Presidential race, KATC's Political Analyst Dr. Pearson Cross said if you really want your vote to count, you ought to look... more »

• Election after huge storm? La has the know-how

  November 1, 2012 4:03 AM

  LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) - Election officials from states hit by Hurricane Sandy had a phone conference with Louisiana's top elections official about preparing for elections after a devastating hurricane. Secretary of State Tom Schedler tells The Advertiser that he spoke Friday with officials from New York, Vermont, New Jersey, Maryland,... more »

• Voters to Decide on Gun Law Amendment Play Video

  October 12, 2012 6:57 PM

  With only 25 days until election day, voters are gearing up to decide several amendments including one concerning gun laws. It's amendment number two on your ballot and here is what it will do. The amendment essentially changes the words of what's currently on the books. The proposed... more »

• Runoff Likely in District 3 Congressional Race

  September 26, 2012 10:08 PM

  The candidates for Congressional House District 3 all spoke at a forum Wednesday night in Crowley. It's one of the most interesting and hotly contested races Louisiana has seen, with two Republican incumbents and a Democrat entering late in the race to mix things up. KATC's Political Analyst Dr. Pearson... more »

• Louisiana's Primary Could Make a Difference This Year Play Video

  January 30, 2012 11:21 PM

  Historically, a presidential nominee has already emerged by the time Louisiana holds a primary election. But this year could be different, and Louisiana's primary could actually matter this time around. As the Republican National Convention nears,with no one candidate as a clear nominee, it's more apparent that every vote... more »

• School Tax Fails, School Board Considers Options Play Video

  October 24, 2011 10:35 PM

  Lafayette Public Schools will have to find a new way to pay for repairs, after two tax millages aimed at updating some public schools failed at the polls on Saturday. For the Lafayette Parish School Board, it's now time to regroup and star discussing what to do now after... more »

• Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Candidates Talk About Goals Play Video

  October 14, 2011 5:32 PM

  The Lafayette Parish voters will pick a sheriff October 22nd. The current sheriff, Mike Neustrom, has served as sheriff for 12 years. He said his work is just getting started. He said, "we kind of feel like it's half time in a game, where you are not completely... more »

• Meet Parish President Candidate Mike Stagg

  October 10, 2011 5:12 PM

  Joey Durel is seeking a third term as Lafayette's City-Parish President. He ran unopposed four years ago, but this year he's facing some competition. Democratic candidate Mike Stagg said this year's election is all about looking towards Lafayette's future. He said, "it's not a country parish. We need... more »

• Residents Say Candidates are Taking Campaigning Too Far

  September 30, 2011 7:14 PM

  You can't go anywhere in Lafayette without driving by some sort kind of political sign, while it may not bother some, Lafayette resident Semha Brown said he's tired of it. He said, "they block my view. It's hard to turn sometimes. It would be better if they put them... more »

• Milton Forum Has Big Races, Including Lafayette Sheriff

  September 29, 2011 11:39 PM

  The Milton Civic Center hosted a "Meet the Candidate" forum Thursday night. Candidates for Division M Family Court Judget, Kay Gautreaux, Marshall Montgomery and Susan Theall attended, as well as candidates for City-Parish Council District 8, Keith Patin (I) and Craig Spikes, and District 9, William Theriot (I) and Walter... more »

• Qualifying for Oct. 22 election reaches final day

  September 8, 2011 10:41 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Candidates interested in running for office in the Oct. 22 election have only a few hours left to sign up for their races. Qualifying shuts down at 5 p.m. Thursday. Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal has drawn five challengers for his re-election bid, none with large... more »

• A New Sheriff Will Take Over Jeff Davis Parish

  August 23, 2011 5:55 PM

  Candidates are getting ready to start campaigning with election season upon us. The Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff isn't running for a seventh term, so a new sheriff will be taking over. So far five candidates have announced they are running. All the candidates say there's two major issues-cracking down... more »

• Jail Maintenance Tax Returns to Ballot

  April 26, 2011 10:51 PM

  A jail maintenance tax will return to the ballot in St. Landry Parish Saturday, April 30th. The tax had been on the books for the past 30 years, but voters didn't renew it last fall. Every ten years the people of St. Landry Parish are asked to renew a... more »

• Perry prepares to punch ballot

  February 19, 2011 12:06 AM

  Democrat Nathan Granger and Republican Jonathan Perry are facing off to claim a seat on Senate District 26. Thursday night, we took a close look at Granger's campaign and now, a look at his opponent. Jonathan Perry took KATC for a walk around his hometown of Kaplan; explaining why he... more »

• District 22 Election Will Likely Change State Senate

  January 21, 2011 11:29 PM

  Saturday is the special election in Iberia and St. Martin Parishes for key State Senate seat, District 22. And it's an important one, because the outcome will mean big changes in Louisiana's State Senate. The District 22 seat has been held by a Democrat, but after Saturday, it's most... more »

• Final Candidate Forum for District 22 Race

  January 18, 2011 11:42 PM

  Tuesday night was the last chance for State Senate District 22 candidates to get their messages out to a large group of people. The Iberia Chamber of Commerce hosted the public forum at the Sliman Theater in New Iberia. Each of the six candidates were given a few minutes... more »

• Special election to replace assessor in October

  January 4, 2011 6:18 AM

  LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) - A special election to fill the soon-to-be vacated Calcasieu Parish tax assessor's job will be held in the fall. Richard Cole, who faces two counts of malfeasance in office, is to resign his post Jan. 15. Chief Deputy Tax Assessor Wendy Aguillard will serve in... more »

• New Year, New Mayor in Maurice

  January 2, 2011 11:17 PM

  It was a hard fought election in Maurice, but Sunday, the new Mayor took his oath of office...KATC'S Chris Welty was at the inauguration. "It's always been a dream of mine to serve the people." No longer a dream, now a reality for Wayne Theriot, newest Mayor for... more »

• Hearing Officer: Emanuel can Run for Chicago Mayor

  December 26, 2010 12:27 PM

  CHICAGO (AP) - Former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel cleared an important hurdle in his bid to be Chicago mayor early Thursday when a hearing officer recommended his name appear on the February ballot, even though Emanuel spent much of the last two years living in Washington working... more »

• Dems Purged from Vote Rolls 2/3rds Black

  December 26, 2010 11:47 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Blacks made up nearly two-thirds of the Democrats removed from Louisiana's voter rolls because they hadn't voted in at least two years. State election officials tell The Advocate it's a result of Hurricane Katrina's displacement of people from heavily Democratic and black New Orleans. After... more »

• Democrats and Republicans Look Ahead

  November 2, 2010 11:15 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - Republicans marched confidently to the brink of House control Tuesday night in midterm elections shadowed by recession, promising a conservative majority certain to challenge President Barack Obama at virtually every turn. The GOP gained Senate seats, as well, but a takeover there appeared out of reach. "I'll... more »

• Republicans Capture Three More Hotly Contestsed House Seats

  November 2, 2010 10:58 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - Republicans have moved within reach of retaking control of House, as they captured three more hotly contestsed seats held by Democrats in Maryland and Pennsylvania. Overall, Republicans have wrested 22 seats from Democratic control and are leading in races to take away another 40. Democrats have claimed... more »

• Republicans Closing In on House and Senate

  November 2, 2010 10:28 PM

  In the 435 U.S. House races, the Republicans have won 138 seats and are leading in the races for 74 seats. The democrats have won 87 seats and are leading in the races for 51 seats. Independent and other party candidates have won or are leading for 0 seats. In... more »

• Latest AP Bulletin of National Election Results

  November 2, 2010 10:16 PM

  BC-Elected-Partial,1079 (AP) 11-02-10 22:14,, BULLETIN: (AP) McCain, GOP, elected Senate, Arizona. BULLETIN: (AP) Lankford, GOP, elected House, District 5, Oklahoma. BULLETIN: (AP) Manzullo, GOP, elected House, District 16, Illinois. BULLETIN: (AP) Grassley, GOP, elected Senate, Iowa. BULLETIN: (AP) Camp, GOP, elected House, District 4, Michigan. BULLETIN: (AP) Fleming, GOP, elected... more »

• Republicans Gaining Seats in House

  November 2, 2010 10:05 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - House control within reach, Republicans piled up gains Tuesday night in a drive to forge a new conservative majority midway through President Barack Obama's term. They added Senate seats, as well, but seemed likely to fall short of taking over. "We've come to take our government back,"... more »

• Latest AP Bulletin of National Election Results

  November 2, 2010 10:02 PM

  BC-Elected-Partial,1104 (AP) 11-02-10 22:00,, BULLETIN: (AP) Ryan, GOP, elected House, District 1, Wisconsin. BULLETIN: (AP) Miller, GOP, elected House, District 1, Florida. BULLETIN: (AP) Shuster, GOP, elected House, District 9, Pennsylvania. BULLETIN: (AP) Graves, GOP, elected House, District 6, Missouri. BULLETIN: (AP)... more »

• Click Here for Election Results

  November 2, 2010 9:44 PM

  Click Here for Real-time Election Results! more »

• A look at the races for Louisiana's U.S. House districts.

  November 1, 2010 3:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Six of Louisiana's seven congressional districts have contested elections on Tuesday's ballot. A look at the districts, their candidates and the campaigns (Fundraising totals are based on latest available data from the Federal Election Commission through Oct. 13): 1ST DISTRICT INCUMBENT: Steve Scalise, Republican from... more »

• On the Campaign Trail: Rep. Charlie Melancon

  November 1, 2010 12:06 AM

  It's the home stretch for the mid-term election. Here in Louisiana, the big race being watched is the race for US Senate. Incumbent Senator David Vitter is facing his biggest challenge from Congressman Charlie Melancon. Both have been on the campaign trail for months. So, we asked, "What does the... more »

• 6 La. House Races on Tuesday's Ballot

  October 30, 2010 6:03 PM

  Six of Louisiana's seven congressional districts have contested elections on Tuesday's ballot. A look at the districts, their candidates and the campaigns (Fundraising totals are based on latest available data from the Federal Election Commission through Oct. 13): 1ST DISTRICT INCUMBENT: Steve Scalise, Republican from Jefferson. OPPONENTS: Myron Katz, Democrat... more »

• For Obama, election politics no laughing matter

  October 27, 2010 9:52 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama apparently thinks politics is no laughing matter, even when he's staring down a comedian. Obama barely cracked any jokes during an appearance Wednesday on "The Daily Show" despite host Jon Stewart's attempts to draw out the president's humorous side with a few of his... more »

• CORRECTION: Some Schools Get Time Off in Early November

  October 21, 2010 4:14 PM

  Many Acadiana public schools have adjusted their school calendars due to election day and voting precincts located in the public schools. Students in the following districts DO NOT report to school Election Day, November 2: Acadia Parish Lafayette Parish St. Martin Parish St. Mary Parish These districts... more »

• Jindal Refuses To Endorse LA Candidate

  October 4, 2010 4:49 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Gov. Bobby Jindal has backed a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Kansas - but he's refused to make endorsements in a list of federal races in Louisiana so far. Jindal's office issued a statement saying he was supporting GOP Congressman Jerry Moran in the... more »

• RESULTS Jeff Davis Parish Election 2010

  October 3, 2010 12:30 AM

  Election Results are in for Jeff Davis Parish. Lake Arthur and Elton picked chiefs of police. The parish also voted on council races and school board seats. Here's how the numbers stacked up: Member of School Board -- District 8 2 of 2 Precincts... more »

• RESULTS Vermilion Parish Election 2010

  October 3, 2010 12:18 AM

  Election results are in for Vermilion Parish. Voters ousted the incumbent mayor in Maurice. Newcomer Wayne Theriot defeated Robert Ferguson on Saturday night. Maurice voters keep their Police Chief. Warren Rost has been in the office more than two decades. Here's a look at the final numbers:... more »

• RESULTS Iberia Parish Election 2010

  October 2, 2010 11:46 PM

  Election results are in for Iberia Parish. Registered voters elected school board members in districts 4,6,10 and 11. Here's how the races turned out: Member of School Board -- District 4 4 of 4 Precincts Reporting Mary "Mel" Batiste-Davis (D) ... more »

• RESULTS Lafayette Parish Election 2010

  October 2, 2010 11:28 PM

  Lafayette voters hit the polls for the October second elections, voting on Mayors for Broussard, Scott, Youngsville and Duson. Youngsville and Carencro voters selected the incumbents for Chief of Police. Here's how the numbers stacked up: Judge, Court of Appeal -- 3rd Circuit,... more »

• Click Here for Election Results

  October 2, 2010 8:25 PM

  KATC is EVERYWHERE with your election coverage tonight. Tracy is with Sammy Kershaw's camp ... Jim is in Baton Rouge... Melissa & Veronica in Lafayette... Shawn in St. Martin Parish, Carolyn in St. Landry & Mike in Iberia. We start cutting in with coverage as soon as the polls close... more »

• Election E-mail Urging Fellow Employees to Vote

  October 1, 2010 6:16 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - An employee at the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness e-mailed her fellow employees, urging them to support a constitutional amendment on Saturday's ballot that affects their employment. State law prohibits using public funds to urge anyone to vote for or against candidates... more »

• Opelousas Mayoral Race

  September 30, 2010 7:59 PM

  Voter turnout is expected to be higher than normal in Opelousas, for the October 2nd election. This, as interest in the Mayor's race grows. Three candidates are challenging incumbent Donald Cravins, Sr.: Harvey Darbonne, the Rev. Frank Ford and Lena Anderson. All three challengers spoke with KATC on Thursday,... more »

• Candidate for Council Squashes Dropping Out Rumor

  September 27, 2010 12:54 PM

  Candidate for City Council in Ville Platte wants to put a stop to a rumor about ending her candidacy. Myra "Griffin" Fontenot is still running for City Council District D in Ville Platte. "I have been receiving phone calls and I have been confronted by people of my community about... more »

• Buying Votes in Mamou

  September 22, 2010 7:53 PM

  Early voting for the October 2nd election is underway, and scandal is following close behind in Mamou. Police arrested and charged Ricky John McGee with six counts of voter bribery. But, these allegations aren't coming as much of a shock to the community. Mamou resident, Donald Lebleu says his... more »

• Early Voting Begins Saturday for the Oct. 2 Election

  September 17, 2010 1:15 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Early voting begins Saturday for the Oct. 2 election. Top of the ticket is the lieutenant governor's race, but voters also face a slew of elections for local mayors, school board members and judgeships. Two constitutional amendments are on the ballot, and in southeast Louisiana, Republican voters... more »

• 3rd District Runoff

  August 30, 2010 7:51 PM

  Congressional primaries were held Saturday, but voters in three Acadiana parishes will have to recast their ballot in October. This, after none of the three candidates got 50% of the votes in the US Representative-3rd Congressional District race. Voters in Iberia, St. Martin and St. Mary were among 13... more »

• Real-Time Election Results for August 28th

  August 28, 2010 8:36 PM

  Want real-time election results? Click HERE beginning at 8:00, August 28th. NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Some of the campaigns were heated but voter interest appeared light for Saturday's congressional party primaries in Louisiana. The only statewide races were for Senate nominations. Incumbent David Vitter was expected to easily win... more »

• Primary Preview

  August 27, 2010 7:33 PM

  Polls across Louisiana will open at 6am Saturday morning. Acadiana voters will decide on three races, including the 3rd Congressional District Seat. Three candidates are vying for the Republican nomination: Hunt Downer of Houma, Jeff Landry , and Kristian Magar , both of New Iberia. All three candidates say... more »

• Update: Race Will Not Be Used As Factor In Elections

  August 27, 2010 6:49 PM

  JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - A policy intended to achieve racial equality at a north Mississippi school has long meant that only white kids can run for some class offices one year, black kids the next. But Brandy Springer, a mother of four mixed race children, was stunned when she moved... more »

• Angelle on Lt. Governor's Race

  August 20, 2010 5:59 PM

  The latest poll released by Southern Media & Opinion Research, shows Secretary of State Jay Dardenne leading the Lieutenant Governor's race over musician Sammy Kershaw. But what does the current Lt. Governor have to say about the position that was almost eliminated? KATC caught up with Scott Angelle in Eunice... more »

• Libertarians Making History in LA Holding Their 1st Primary Election

  August 18, 2010 1:20 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Libertarians are making history this month in Louisiana, holding their first primary election after two candidates aligned with the party signed up in the Senate race. In the Aug. 28 primary, Anthony "Tony G" Gentile faces Randall Todd Hayes. The winning Libertarian advances to the... more »

• Statewide/Multi-Parish Candidates For August 28 Election

  July 9, 2010 4:57 PM

  U.S. Senator Democratic(1 to be elected) Neeson J. Chauvin Jr. Cary J. Deaton "Charlie" Melancon Libertarian (1 to be elected) Anthony Gentile Randall Todd Hayes Republican (1 to be elected) Nick J. Accardo David Vitter U.S. Representive 3rd Congeressional District Republican(1 to... more »

• Qualifying for Federal Elections Begins

  July 6, 2010 12:09 PM

  The Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office is holding qualifying for the Fall election cycle on July 7-8, 2010, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and July 9 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Qualifying will take place at the Secretary of State’s executive offices, located at 8585 Archives Ave.... more »

• House Special Election Date Set

  July 2, 2010 6:36 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - An October special election date has been set to fill a Caddo Parish-based seat in the Louisiana House. Rep. Wayne Waddell, a Republican, is resigning Aug. 1 to take a new job as director of the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum in Shreveport. House Speaker Jim... more »

• Senate Special Election Date Set

  June 14, 2010 8:22 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - A special election to fill a New Orleans-based seat in the Louisiana Senate will be held in October. New Orleans Sen. Ann Duplessis, a Democrat, is leaving the position June 27 to take a new job in the administration of New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu.... more »

• Jennings Tax Vote

  March 25, 2010 7:27 PM

  Almost half of one city's budget could be altered by Saturday's election results. In Jennings, residents will vote on a 1cent sales tax. But, some were concerned that this was a new tax. In fact, Mayor Terry Duhon says it's not. Duhon says the citizens approved the tax back in... more »

• Vermilion Parish police jury blocks delay in tax election

  February 18, 2010 7:27 AM

  ABBEVILLE, La. (AP) - The Vermilion Parish Police Jury has voted to block an attempt by Juror Mark Poche to delay a special March election that calls for a 5.7 mill tax for coastal storm protection. Potential revenue from the tax, if passed, is expected to be used as leverage... more »

• Jefferson Davis coroner election set

  December 10, 2009 11:07 AM

  JENNINGS, La. (AP) - The Jefferson Davis Parish Police Jury has called a special election for March 27 to fill the vacancy created by the death of Coroner Richard Dupont. The American Press reports Dupont, who had served as coroner since March 2000, died Sunday in a Lake Charles... more »

• Jindal Fundraising

  September 29, 2009 7:56 AM

  Governor Bobby Jindal will be on the fundraising trail again this week. He is planning three events in Washington, D.C. The governor's office says two of the three events are for Jindal's 2011 re-election campaign. more »