2016 statewide primary election dates released

     A statewide presidential preference primary election will be held on the first Saturday in March and every fourth year thereafter for the purpose of allowing the electors of each political party in the state which has 40,000 or more registered members to express their preference for a person to be the nominee of the party for president of the United States.

     The 2016 Presidential Preference Primary Election will be held on March 5 and is a closed party election. There are only two political parties involved, the Democratic and Republican parties, because they have 40,000 or more registered members. Democratic voters may only vote on candidates for the offices of the Democratic presidential nominee and Democratic state and local committees, plus any local offices and/or propositions, as well,  Republican voters may only vote on candidates for the offices of the Republican presidential nominee and Republican state and local committees, plus any local offices and/or propositions. All other voters may vote only for any local offices and/or propositions if any are on the ballot in the parish.

     There are no runoff elections for the Democratic and Republican offices. A general election is held only if local offices are on the ballot and no one receives a majority vote in the primary election.

     The last day to register to vote in this election, make party changes or any other changes is Feb. 3. Voters who wish to make changes may do so on GeauxVote.com

or at the Registrar of Voters offices – 828 S Irma Blvd, room 205, Gonzales, and 300 Houmas St. Suite B, Donaldsonville.

     Early voting will be held Feb. 20 to Feb. 27 at the Registrar of Voters offices from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.